Ozark Bluestar features prolific clusters of star-like periwinkle blossoms, often bunched so tightly together that they appear as a much larger looking bloom. Flowering in early to mid-spring, this plant provides nectar for many butterflies and bees before most other food sources are available. The leathery leaves are glossy and narrow, much like a willow's. After the flowers fade, elongated seedpods droop from the stem tips, adding rich purple sprays to the shrub-like mound. An extra bonus: the foliage turns a stunning golden hue for fall interest, often keeping its leaves and color well past the first frost.
 
 Amsonia illustris is very tolerant of most sun and soil conditions. It even 
excels in clay!  Easily grown from seed, it may be prudent to remove the 
seedpods for the first few years until its size and form is established; there
is a large amount of variation within this species. In shady or overly rich 
soils, the stems may flop. If the plant is in optimal conditions, it can grow 
well beyond the typical 3 foot expectations. Because it is so resilient, hard 
pruning after the flowers have dropped, even by much as half the length of 
each stem, is not harmful