When we say these plants are "pretty tough," we mean it both ways: They're beautiful, and they're rugged.

It's not just the plant that's indigenous to North America. Even its scientific name has native roots, with Latinized forms of two Americans' surnames.

The genus Amsonia honors Dr. Charles Amson, 18th century Virginia physician and plantsman; and the specific epithet hubrichtii commemorates Leslie Hubricht, a self-taught naturalist who discovered the plant growing wild in the Ouachita Mountains.

Spring brings a flush of starry blue flowers -- lovely, but brief. This plant is famed for its foliage. In summer, it's a lush mass of fine green leaves, always in motion in the slightest breeze. Come fall, it takes on a dazzling yellow/gold hue. Hardy in Zones 4 - 9, this 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year winner needs little care.

Long-lived, graceful, upright plant with clusters of cool blue flowers in May and June. The outstanding golden color of its narrow-leafed foliage in the fall expands its seasonal interest.