Blue-Eyed Grass

(Sisyrinchium micranthum)

Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium micranthum)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 40" - 67"
High Temp. 70°F - 94°F
Low Temp. 34°F - 55°F

Summary

Sisyrinchium micranthum, commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass or Striped Rush-leaf, is a perennial herb native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands in Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is also found in temperate regions and has been widely naturalized in other areas. This species typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) and features clumps of narrow, rush-like leaves. The flowers are small, with white to cream petals and distinctive blue to purple centers, blooming from late spring to early summer. The blooms are followed by brown capsules containing dark brown seeds, which are less commonly observed.

Blue-eyed Grass is appreciated for its delicate flowers and grass-like foliage, adding texture and color to garden borders, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soil. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, although it can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable. In cultivation, it can spread modestly if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow, Green
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands in Mexico, Central America, and South America

Other Names

Common Names: Annual Blue-eyed Grass, Lily-Rush, Scourweed, Striped Rushleaf, Yellow Rush-Lily, Yellow-eyed Grass

Scientific Names: Sisyrinchium micranthum, Bermudiana bermudiana var. iridifolia, Bermudiana bermudiana var. micrantha, Bermudiana iridifolia, Bermudiana micrantha, Marica iridifolia, Marica iridifolia, Marica micrantha, Marica micrantha

GBIF Accepted Name: Sisyrinchium micranthum