Amsonia tabernaemontana (Eastern bluestar)

This is a native neighbor from the Great Plains and southeastern U.S. Bluestar takes several years to reach mature size but eventually will form a large, bushy clump 4' tall and wide, prized for its golden fall foliage. Delicate clusters of light blue flowers bloom in May and compose well with smooth white penstemon and golden Alexanders. Bluestar prefers full sun or partial shade, and moist soils. It contains toxins that make it distasteful to deer.

Photo credit: F.D.Richards