Family: Iridaceae
eastern blue-eyed-grass
[Sisyrinchium apiculatum E.P.Bicknell, more...]
Sue R. Crispin
Etymology: Sisyrinchium: Greek sys for pig; rynchos for snout; referring to a pig grubbing the roots for food
Plants: erect, perennial, to 20" tall forb, delicate, wiry, light olive to yellowish when dry; often forming small clusters; stems thin, winged, branched, bending at the 1st or 2nd nodes
Leaves: narrow, smooth, up to 1/8" wide, shorter than the stem
Flowers: light blue to violet, 6-parted, 1/2" - 3/4" wide, tepals sometimes white, bases yellow, tips notched to blunt with a sharp point; inflorescence of 1 cluster from the leaf axils, 2 sheaths (spathes), usually green sometimes with purplish edges, wider than the stalk, connected at the base, outer sheath 1/2" long; blooms June-July
Fruits: small, roundish, dark-brown to purplish-black capsule
Habitat: moist; meadows, streambanks, open woods
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, to 20" tall forb, delicate, wiry, light olive to yellowish when dry; often forming small clusters; stems thin, winged, branched, bending at the 1st or 2nd nodes
Leaves: narrow, smooth, up to 1/8" wide, shorter than the stem
Flowers: light blue to violet, 6-parted, 1/2" - 3/4" wide, tepals sometimes white, bases yellow, tips notched to blunt with a sharp point; inflorescence of 1 cluster from the leaf axils, 2 sheaths (spathes), usually green sometimes with purplish edges, wider than the stalk, connected at the base, outer sheath 1/2" long; blooms June-July
Fruits: small, roundish, dark-brown to purplish-black capsule
Habitat: moist; meadows, streambanks, open woods
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACW USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Sue R. Crispin
