Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Woolly Bluestar, Gray Amsonia
  • Synonyms: Amsonia tomentosa, Amsonia brevifolia var. tomentosa, Amsonia arenaria, Amsonia eastwoodiana, Amsonia filiformis, Amsonia brevifolia, Amsonia lanata
  • Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane)
  • Genus Information: 16 species in US, AZ 7, TX 8, NM 6, UT 2, NV 1, CA 1

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: upright
  • Size: up to 18 inches
  • Stem: hairy

Leaves

  • Color: either silver or green
  • Shape: ovate
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous in the fall

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: white , purple, blue
  • Flower Size: 2 inch
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
  • Fruit: follicle

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: well drained
  • Habitat: sandy deserts and washes

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
  • Seen: NV (Calico Basin)
  • Elevation: up to 5500 ft (2000 m)

Photographs

Woolly Bluestar Gray Form (Amsonia tomentosa)

Calico Basin, Las Vegas

Woolly Bluestar Gray Form (Amsonia tomentosa)

Calico Basin, Las Vegas

Woolly Bluestar Gray Form (Amsonia tomentosa)

Calico Basin, Las Vegas

Woolly Bluestar Gray Form (Amsonia tomentosa)

Calico Basin, Las Vegas