Bluestar

Amsonia spp

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Clemson HGIC says the milky sap of this dogbane-family genus is slightly toxic to dogs, and Iowa State calls the sap potentially toxic. Neither page gives a human hazard. Treat the plant cautiously around pets.

Hazard route

none named by the sources used

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to pets at the scope stated in the source line. Keep it away from dogs and cats. Scope of the source: species/genus: three university sources.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Eastern bluestar (A. tabernaemontana) USDA zones 3 to 9 and Hubricht's bluestar (A. hubrichtii) zones 5 to 8 (Clemson HGIC). Iowa State says most bluestars are cold hardy to zone 5 except A. rigida, zone 6.
Light: Full sun to part shade; Clemson advises some light afternoon shade in hot South Carolina summers, and says plants flop in too much shade. Iowa State says they prefer part shade but also do well in full sun.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: Eastern bluestar 2 to 3 ft tall and wide, Hubricht's 2 to 3 ft (Clemson HGIC). Iowa State gives species ranges from about 1 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 6 ft wide.
Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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