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Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Narrowleaf blue-eyed grass)
Vick, Albert F. W.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium P. Mill.

Narrowleaf blue-eyed grass, Narrow-leaf blue-eyed-grass, Bermuda blue-eyed grass, Blue-eyed grass

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

Synonyms: Sisyrinchium bermudiana, Sisyrinchium graminoides

USDA Symbol: SIAN3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The numerous, narrow, light-green leaves of this perennial form dense, tufted clumps which steadily grow with new foliage during the season. The flattened, leaf-like flowering stems may be up to 18 in. long and bear light-blue, star-shaped flowers a few inches above the leaves. Height is 1-1 1/2 ft. Several delicate, blue or deep blue-violet flowers with yellow centers in 2 broad bracts top a flat stem, generally only 1 flower at a time in bloom; stems taller than the clusters of narrow, sword-shaped leaves near base.

Although the plant is small and has grass-like leaves, the flowers have all the features of the Iris family. The various species are all much alike and separation is based on such characteristics as branching pattern and leaf length. Common Blue-eyed Grass (S. montanum) is also a widespread species, with slightly wider leaves, over 1/4 (6 mm), and unbranched stalks.

 

From the Image Gallery

View herbarium specimen from Harry T. Cliffe Bexar Regional Herbarium.

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: 1-1.5 feet.
Leaf Color: Green
Fruit Color: Brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: BC , NS , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to Man. & Platte Co., WY, s. to FL & TX
Native Habitat: Meadows; damp fields; low, open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, poor to average soils
Conditions Comments: This short-lived perennial will decline if allowed to dry out. Heavy mulch causes crown rot and rich, organic soils encourage rank, vegetative growth. Plants need to be divided at least every other year.

Benefit

Use Medicinal: Amerindians used root tea for diarrhea (in children); plant tea for worms, stomachaches. Several species used as laxatives. (Foster & Duke)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: No

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Propagate by seed or division. Several dozen divisions can be expected from a mature, healthy specimen.
Seed Collection: Collect seed capsule when they have darkened to brown and become wrinkled.
Commercially Avail: yes

 

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: Where can I find a list of ground covers to replace my grass. I live in the south of Ocala Florida.
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Bibliography

Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America (2000) Foster, S. & J. A. Duke
Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, S.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Sisyrinchium angustifolium in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Sisyrinchium angustifolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-04-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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