Iridaceae

blue-eyed grass

Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Synonyms

Sisyrinchium carolinianum
Sisyrinchium gramineum
Sisyrinchium gramonoides
Sisyrinchium membranaceum
Sisyrinchium nuttallii

Other Common Names

narrowleaf blue-eyed grass, grass flower

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1.5-2 ft. tall
0.5-1 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Plants are easily divided after a couple years of growth

Plant Planting Notes

Provide 2 ft spacing

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

elongated, grass-like fronds arising from clumps

Flowers

blue iris-like flowers on cymes with 6 petals

Fruit

brown/copper to black capsules

Toxicity

no known toxicity

Sisyrinchium angustifolium

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Woodlands, forests, meadows, longleaf pine sandhill swales

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

common throughout the coastal, piedmont, sandhill, and mountain regions