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Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii

Olsynium douglasii (A. Dietr.) E.P. Bicknell var. douglasii

Douglas' Grasswidow, Grasswidow

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

Synonym(s): Sisyrinchium douglasii, Sisyrinchium inalatum

USDA Symbol: OLDOD

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

The reddish-purple flowers of this blue-eyed grass are the largest of the species, up to an inch across. The six "petals" are all alike and tipped with points. Stems are from 6-16 in. high with grass-like basal and stem leaves. This perennial forms clumps from a short rootstock.

A member of the iris family (family Iridaceae) which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks. There are about 60 genera and 1,500 species, distributed in temperate and tropical regions. Among them, Iris, Freesia, Gladiolus, Bugle Lily, and Montbretia are popular ornamentals. Saffron dye is obtained from Crocus, and "essence of violets," used in perfumes, is extracted from the rhizomes of Iris.