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Native Plant Database

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Sisyrinchium chilense (Sword-leaf blue-eyed grass)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Sisyrinchium chilense Hook.

Sword-leaf Blue-eyed Grass, Swordleaf blue-eyed grass

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

Synonyms: S. ensigerum

USDA Symbol: SICH2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

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.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: 6-8 inches.
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue

Distribution

USA: OK , TX
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist

Benefit

Nectar Source: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Seed Collection: Collect seed in May, when seeds are black.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX

Herbarium Specimen(s)

NPSOT 0741 Collected Apr 2, 1994 in Bexar County by Mike Fox
NPSOT 0208 Collected Apr. 14, 1992 in Comal County by Mary Beth White

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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