Family: Iridaceae
common blue-eyed-grass, pale blue-eyed-grass, white blue-eyed-grass
[Sisyrinchium asheianum E.P.Bicknell, more...]
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Etymology: Sisyrinchium: Greek sys for pig; rynchos for snout; referring to a pig grubbing the roots for food
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb, pale green, smooth, dries to a yellow-green or olive; stems distinctly winged, not wiry, to 1/8" wide, unbranched
Leaves: narrow, almost as wide as the stems, smooth
Flowers: white to blue, 6-parted, 1/2" - 1" wide, tepals with yellow bases; tips notched with a sharp point; inflorescence of 2, usually stalkless clusters at the top of the stem just above a long, bract-like leaf that often hides the inner cluster, 2 sheaths (spathes) greenish or often slightly purplish, usually separated at the base, outer sheath 1/2"-1" long; blooms May-July
Fruits: small, roundish, tan to light brown capsule
Habitat: dry to moderate moisture; prairies, meadows, open woods; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb, pale green, smooth, dries to a yellow-green or olive; stems distinctly winged, not wiry, to 1/8" wide, unbranched
Leaves: narrow, almost as wide as the stems, smooth
Flowers: white to blue, 6-parted, 1/2" - 1" wide, tepals with yellow bases; tips notched with a sharp point; inflorescence of 2, usually stalkless clusters at the top of the stem just above a long, bract-like leaf that often hides the inner cluster, 2 sheaths (spathes) greenish or often slightly purplish, usually separated at the base, outer sheath 1/2"-1" long; blooms May-July
Fruits: small, roundish, tan to light brown capsule
Habitat: dry to moderate moisture; prairies, meadows, open woods; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = FACU Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
