Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - June 16, 2015

From: Ben Lomond, CA
Region: California
Topic: Plant Identification, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: A blue-eyed grass with salmon-colored blooms?
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

Has anyone heard of a blue-eyed grass variety that has salmon-colored blooms? I have a photo if needed.

ANSWER:

I suspect you have seen a close relative of Sisyrinchium bellum (Western blue-eyed grass) that has yellow or golden petals. Petals of this species, Sisyrinchium californicum (Golden blue-eyed grass), may seem salmon-colored under some conditions.  A different species, Sisyrinchium rosulatum (Annual blue-eyed grass), sometimes has yellowish flowers, but it does not seem to be found in your area.

 

More Grasses or Grass-like Questions

Native grasses for horses
September 20, 2009 - I have 7ac with big and little bluestem. I'm told big is bad. And my horse eats ground veg and not the bluestem. So I'd love to replant the entire tract with something for the horse, deer, and nativ...
view the full question and answer

Plants for a bank too steep to mow
June 24, 2009 - Like the inquiry made in late June of 2008, mine involves a bank that is too steep to mow. However, ours is facing south. I am looking for a native grass, plant or groundcover. Any suggestions? ...
view the full question and answer

Controlling switchgrass in Fredericksburg TX
June 12, 2010 - How do you kill switch grass..too much has grown on our property. Originally planted to stop erosion due to oak wilted trees lost on hill behind house, which worked,but now it is everywhere.
view the full question and answer

Plants for a property near a conservation area in MD
July 18, 2011 - Can you tell me what native plants and the type of landscaping that would be good to plant in front of a forest conservation area that is on a steep hill behind our future house? It is located in Manc...
view the full question and answer

Non-monoculture turf grass for Florida from Sarasota FL
April 28, 2012 - I am looking for a non-monoculture turf grass suitable for the Florida climate. Will Habiturf work, or perhaps you have some other suggestions? Please advise.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.