Etymology: Sisyrinchium: Greek sys for pig; rynchos for snout; referring to a pig grubbing the roots for food
Plants: erect, perennial, up to 20" tall forb, light green to yellowish when dry; stems branched with one node
Leaves: narrow, smooth, shorter than the stem
Flowers: blue to violet, 6-parted, 3/4" - 1 1/2" wide, tepal bases yellow, tips rounded to blunt with a sharp point; inflorescence of 1 cluster at the top of the stem surrounded by usually 2 stalked sheaths (spathes), spathes green with purplish margins, usually connected at the base and wider than the stalk; blooms June-July
Fruits: small, round to turban shaped, tan to almost white capsule
Habitat: moist; meadows, streambanks, open woods; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, up to 20" tall forb, light green to yellowish when dry; stems branched with one node
Leaves: narrow, smooth, shorter than the stem
Flowers: blue to violet, 6-parted, 3/4" - 1 1/2" wide, tepal bases yellow, tips rounded to blunt with a sharp point; inflorescence of 1 cluster at the top of the stem surrounded by usually 2 stalked sheaths (spathes), spathes green with purplish margins, usually connected at the base and wider than the stalk; blooms June-July
Fruits: small, round to turban shaped, tan to almost white capsule
Habitat: moist; meadows, streambanks, open woods; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Corey Raimond
from USDA Plants website
