The seed pods have started splitting so the annual Amsonia harvest time is here. If anyone would like some Amsonia tabernaemontana (Eastern Bluestar), I'll trade for seeds I don't already have, or a split/share of something on your seed purchase list (December or January). SASBEs for beginner gardeners only.

Amsonia seeds are very easy to germinate once they've been cold moist stratified (wintersowed) but they must be fresh. So get 'em now and plant them as soon as you receive them.

Amsonia, an Eastern North American native shrub, is very drought tolerant once established. It has lovely blue flowers in the spring, and nice yellow foliage in the fall. In good, well-drained soil it'll grow to at least 3 feet-- a row makes a nice hedge. It is hardy from zones 4 to 8.