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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 6-12 in. high with grass like basal and stem leaves. The 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.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Gray-Green
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Vancouver I., s. to n. CA & adjacent NV; also reported in Tooele Co., UT
Native Habitat: Springtime-moist sagebrush slopes, oak savannas, grasslands or open woods

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Drier (seasonally moist) soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Offshoots of the short rhizome or tufted leaf rosette divide well. Also started easily from seed although germination is low.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Additional resources

USDA: Find Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii

Metadata

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

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