Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium): A Delicate Native Treasure

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is one of our small, native plant treasures. As our sensibilities mature (along with our bodies), we become more appreciative of little things that add quality to our lives. We take time to see spring violets, trilliums, and a hundred other small beauties we may have missed in earlier years.

Identification

Blue-eyed grass blooms demurely on garden bed edges for a month to six weeks in spring/early summer. You must look down to see it—it doesn't scream "Look at me!" You must pay attention and take in details.

One of ~75 Sisyrinchium species native to the Western Hemisphere. Recognized by clusters of blue, violet, or white flowers with distinctly yellow eyes on branched flowering stems. Flowers held a few inches above narrow, grasslike, tufted foliage clumps. Native to eastern two-thirds of U.S. and Canada (Zones 4–9). Despite common names (Eastern, stout, narrow-leaf blue-eyed grass), it's not a grass but an iris family member. Grows 6–12 inches tall, slowly spreading herbaceous perennial.

Culture

Naturally occurs in wet fields and prairies. Prefers full sun and damp soil. But if you lack a wet field in full sun, don't despair—determined gardeners adapt. Blue-eyed grass thrives in ordinary, well-drained but moist garden soil in sun to partial shade.

• Division: Early spring or fall every 2–3 years for healthy, vigorous plants.
• Shearing: Immediately after bloom prevents unwanted seedlings and neatens planting.
• Sharing: Most gardeners have friends who appreciate little starts. Pot up extras for next visitor or plant sale.
• Seedlings: Transplant to other garden spots or woodland edges where space allows.
• Propagation: Division or seed. Seeds best planted when ripe; germinate fairly well following spring if delayed.

Synonyms & Cultivars

Up to 31 synonyms listed in Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (University of South Florida). Common: Sisyrinchium bermudiana, S. gramineum, S. gramnoides. Cultivar 'Lucerne': lavender-blue flowers; 'Album': white blossoms. Many species identified, usually separated by branch patterns and leaf lengths.

Uses

Wildlife

Bees visit for pollen/nectar. Seeds attract prairie chickens, wild turkeys, songbirds.

Garden Design

Star performer in rock gardens, cottage gardens, border fronts, pathways. Woodland areas, naturalized in informal plantings. Combine with low groundcovers like creeping thyme or dwarf sedum in traditional settings.

Medicinal

Like many natives, medicinal uses found: root tea for diarrhea (American Indians); plant tea for stomachaches; other concoctions for stomach/intestinal disorders.

Thanks to chicochi3 for clump foliage image, and plantdude for Sisyrinchium 'Lucerne' image.