Hi, Dr. Hill,
This resembles a clump of thin-bladed, soft and arching grass. And it gets blue flowers in May. It’s very pretty and tidy, clumping in distinctive bunches and not taking over. But maybe it’s some kind of sedge. That’s where you come in. ;-) I first found it growing in very moist and shady areas. But it seems to do well in sunnier areas that were cleared of trees. Both spots in the fall line, rich forest soil with clay way down underneath.
I hope you’re doing well during these times.
Diane
Hi Diane,
thank goodness it isn’t a sedge! Haha. This is blue-eyed grass, actually a type of native iris, Sisyrinchium. I am not sure if it is Sisyrinchium angustifolium or Sisyrinchium mucronatum. Both are rather common and similar. According to one treatment, S. angustifolium has scapes more than 3 mm wide and it darkens upon drying, and S. mucronatum has scapes less than 3 mm wide, and stays green upon drying. Gofigure!
I’m hanging in there. Depressing times I’m afraid. A very good time to go outside and hike and enjoy the wildflowers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Hill
Botanist, SCNPS