Blue star flowers are lovely to admire and healthy for the environment as they help support local pollinators within our greater ecosystem. In addition to being attractive native plants, Blue Star flowers are also rich in meaning and symbolism.
The Symbolic Meaning of Blue Star Flowers – The Essentials
In the language of flowers, Blue stars symbolize strength. They are also associated with qualities related to strength, such as endurance, resilience, perseverance, persistence, the force of will, and determination.
About Blue Star Flowers
Taxonomy
Amsonia is a genus of flowering plants that currently contains 16 accepted species. The genus belongs to the Apocynaceae (dogbane) plant family, and plants of this genus are commonly called blue stars (or sometimes bluestars).
Botanical Characteristics
Blue stars are small to medium-sized shrub-like plants that grow in clumps that are about two to three feet tall and wide. They produce stems of lance-shaped foliage that fades to yellow in autumn. Sweetly scented spherical clusters of petite, star-shaped flowers pop up through the foliage.
The blue hue of blue star flowers is one of the truest blues you’ll find growing in nature. While blue star flowers are most commonly blue, certain varieties also bloom in pink, white, and purple.
History and Origins
Blue star is primarily native to the United States and Northern Mexico. All species – except one that originated in East Asia and another that originated in the eastern Mediterranean region – are native to these parts of North America.
Etymological Meaning
The Amsonia genus name honors John Amson, a physician and amateur botanist who moved to the American colonies from England.
Of course, the common name, blue star, refers to the blue-colored, star-shaped flowers produced by the plants of this genus.
Uses and Benefits of Blue Star Flowers
Pollinators
Since the blue star is native to much of the United States, it’s an excellent option for drawing local pollinators into your garden. Carpenter bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and hummingbird moths are all attracted to its sweet fragrance.
Cutting Gardens
Blue star flower stems make ideal additions to bouquets and arrangements thanks to their slender stems that are topped with lovely flowers. Plus, by dipping the tips of their stems in boiling water, you can create a seal with their latex-like sap, helping the cut flowers stay fresh longer.
Ornamental Gardens
Blue star adds texture, attractive foliage, and unique color to an ornamental garden. Some popular ornamental blue star plants include varieties of Amsonia illustris, Amsonia hubrichtii, and Amsonia peeblesii such as Arkansas Blue Star, Storm Cloud, and Blue Ice.
Traditional Medicine
The Zuni Native American tribe used a compound poultice containing wooly blue star roots (Amsonia tomentosa var. tomentosa) as a topical remedy to treat rattlesnake bites.
Herbal Medicine
Various Amsonia plants also have documented applications in herbal medicine. It has been used as an antispasmodic and antiarrhythmic treatment. Its arrestive effects on ganglion cysts have also been studied and documented. However, blue star plants are toxic; their unsupervised use is not recommended.
The Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance of Blue Star Flowers
Blue Star Meaning and Symbolism
As symbols, blue star flowers mainly represent strength. They are also associated with certain qualities related to strength, such as endurance, resilience, perseverance, persistence, the force of will, and determination.
Common Blue Star Flower Colors and Their Symbolic Meanings
In addition to different types of flowers having their own symbolic meanings, flower colors also represent different things.
- Blue Flower Meaning – In flowers, the color blue represents peace and tranquility, hope, desire, love, and beauty. It also symbolizes reaching for the impossible.
- Purple Flower Meaning – Purple is the traditional color of royalty. In flowers, the color also represents nobility, power, success, and wealth. Purple flowers can also symbolize dignity and elegance.
- Pink Flower Meaning – In flowers, pink symbolizes admiration and gentle affection in addition to femininity.
- White Flower Meaning – White flowers have two symbolic themes: mourning and purity. They represent chastity, innocence, and sympathy.
Amsonia in United States History
The genus’s namesake, John Amson, served as the mayor of Williamsburg, Virginia, from 1750 to 1751. The blue star genus is said to have been named in honor of him in 1760 after Amson had an encounter with (then) General George Washington.
In 1758, Washington believed he had contracted consumption (tuberculosis) after he had returned from a military campaign that was a part of the French and Indian War. He visited Amson, a doctor, and an amateur botanist, for an examination at the Governor’s Palace on the outskirts of Williamsburg. Amson diagnosed Washington with the common cold, declaring and convincing him that he did not have a terminal illness.
In order to honor Amson, John Clayton, who authored Flora Virginica, named the native blue star plant, Amsonia, after Washington’s physician.
Blue Flowers and Romanticism
During the Romantic Period, blue flowers were strongly associated with love, beauty, and desire in addition to striving and hoping for the unreachable, unattainable, and impossible. Blue star flowers are some of the truest blue flowers that grow naturally.
Suitable Gifting Occasions for Blue Star Flowers
Since blue star flowers symbolize strength, resilience, perseverance, and determination, giving them can be a graceful way to show your support to a friend or loved one who is going through a difficult time or undertaking a significant challenge. In addition to showing support, they can be the perfect way to compliment someone by telling them how strong you think they are.
With their unique blue color, blue star flowers are a good choice for an arrangement welcoming a new baby boy or for celebrating Father’s Day. Also, blue star flowers are simply quite beautiful. They’re lovely in bouquets and arrangements of cut flowers, making them a good gift for just about any occasion.
Blue Star Flower FAQs:
What Do Blue Star Flowers Symbolize?
Blue star flowers primarily symbolize strength. They are also associated with qualities related to strength, such as endurance, resilience, perseverance, persistence, the force of will, and determination.
Do Blue Star Flowers Symbolize Love?
Blue star flowers primarily symbolize strength and endurance. During the Romantic Period, however, blue flowers were sometimes associated with love and desire.
Do Blue Star Flowers Come Back Every Year?
Most species of blue star flowers are perennials and will grow back each year if planted within the USDA hardiness zones 3 through 11.
How Long Do Blue Star Flowers Last?
Blue stars often bloom for months at a time, starting during early spring and continuing to blossom until mid-summer.
Are Blue Star Flowers Toxic?
Blue star (Amsonia) belongs to the dogbane plant family. Like many of its plant cousins, blue star is also toxic to people, dogs, and cats.
Blue Star Flower Meaning: The Final Word
Blue Star flowers are rich in meaning and symbolism, and if you want to add a unique, naturally blue wonder to your garden spectacle or are simply hoping to gift someone a floral design containing a striking display of blossoms, then blue star is an excellent choice.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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