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
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