Common Bluebeard (Caryopteris incana) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Common Bluebeard is a small shrub native to eastern Asia and grown in some U.S. gardens. Blue to purple flowers form separate clusters around the upper stems. In U.S. gardens, the name bluebeard often refers to the related bluebeard garden hybrid (Caryopteris × clandonensis).

Appearance

Growth form: A small deciduous shrub or perennial with stems that may die back in winter.
Leaves: Its opposite leaves have toothed edges and grayish, hairy undersides.
Flowers: Blue to purple flowers crowd around the upper stems in separate clusters. White and pink forms also occur.
Flowering time: At a garden in Pennsylvania, “Blue Billows” flowers from late summer into fall.
Fruit: After flowering, small capsules form.

Look-alikes

Bluebeard garden hybridCaryopteris × clandonensis

Common Bluebeard usually has obvious teeth along its leaves. The garden hybrid varies by cultivar and can also have toothed leaves, so a flower photo alone may not settle the ID.

Why they get mixed upThe hybrid has blue flowers and is a cultivated descendant of this species.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Botanical gardens
Garden borders
Range: Native to eastern Asia and grown as an ornamental in the United States.
Preferred conditions: The “Blue Billows” selection is listed for 7, or zone 6 with protection.

Name and classification

About the name: A narrower-leaved variety also occurs within this species.
Varieties and forms: The low, trailing “Blue Billows” selection is grown within this species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The “Blue Billows” selection came from a plant found on Korea’s Jeju Island.

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