Amsonia sp.
Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Amsonia sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Apocynaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Oxypetalum: Amsonia has narrow alternate leaves spiraling up stem; Oxypetalum has broader opposite leaves and distinctive inflated milkweed-type flowers.; vs Vinca: Amsonia grows strictly upright with alternating leaves; Vinca trails along ground with opposite leaves.; vs Cycladenia: Amsonia has thin leaves in alternate arrangement; Cycladenia has thick waxy opposite leaves.; vs Apocynum: Amsonia has leaves alternating up the stem; Apocynum has leaves in opposite pairs.; vs Nerium: Amsonia is a soft-stemmed herb with alternate leaves; Nerium is a woody shrub with whorled leathery leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amsonia sp. native to California?
No. Amsonia sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Amsonia sp. belong to?
Amsonia sp. is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Amsonia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.