Douglas’ Grasswidow
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(Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii)
Douglas’ Grasswidow (Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr
Summary
Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii, commonly known as Douglas’ Grasswidow, is a perennial herb that is deciduous or semi-deciduous. It is native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Vancouver Island in Canada. This plant typically reaches a height and width of 0.4-1 feet (0.1-0.3 meters), forming clumps of grass-like foliage. Douglas’ Grasswidow blooms in early spring, producing striking purple to reddish-purple flowers that are quite showy and attract early-season pollinators.
Douglas’ Grasswidow is valued for its early spring flowers, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens, borders, and native plant gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in part shade. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While not commonly used, it has potential in cultivation for naturalized areas or as a component of a mixed perennial border. It is not known for significant disease or pest issues, but it can be sensitive to overwatering or poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Douglas’ Grasswidow is valued for its early spring flowers, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens, borders, and native plant gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in part shade. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While not commonly used, it has potential in cultivation for naturalized areas or as a component of a mixed perennial border. It is not known for significant disease or pest issues, but it can be sensitive to overwatering or poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.4-1.2 feet
- Width: 0.4-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands in the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island
Other Names
Common Names: Grasswidow
Scientific Names: Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii, Sisyrinchium inalatum, Sisyrinchium douglasii var. douglasii, Sysirinchium douglasii
GBIF Accepted Name: Olsynium douglasii var. douglasii