The common name is derived from the blue flowers.
These blue (to a blue-violet) flowers are on branching stems with grass-like foliage. However, this plant is not a grass but is in the iris family. The stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves form into a fan shape, very similar to other plants in the iris family. These leaves are typically narrower than the leaves of an iris, making it look more like a grass. After the flowers have bloomed, it would be hard to pick out this plant when growing along with other grassy plants.
Growing from rhizomes, this plant likes moist to average soil and is generally found in moist meadows, marshes, low woods, damp open woods, on stream banks and slopes. Planting is groups will provide curb appeal.
It is the most common blue-eyed grass in the eastern portion of the United States.
The leaves were cooked and eaten by Native Americans as a medicinal plant. It was said to regulate the bowels.
Habitat: Woodlands, forests, meadows, sand hills, and swales.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues. Being a self-seeding plant, it should be cut down after blooming in order to avoid unwanted spread.
Division should be performed every few years to keep the plants healthy.
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrichium angustifolium)
Common Name Blue-eyed Grass Scientific Name Sisyrichrium angustfolium Plant Type Perennial Zone 4-9 Height
Width
18-24"
6-12"
Spacing 12"-36" Growth Habit Clumping, Dense Growth Rate Medium Bloom Time Spring/Summer Light
RequirementsFull sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Water Needs Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Soil Type Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Animal Resistance Deer Tolerance light shade, insect pests, diseases
Black Walnut
Uses Meadow
Naturalized Area
Slope/Bank
Walkways
Woodland
Origin North America Wildlife Food source for birds. Butterflies, bumblebees, sweat bees, bee flies and syrphid flies are attracted to this plant for its nectar and pollen.
Play Value:
Companion Plant
Suggestions
American Wisteria.Coreopsis (Tickseed)Mountain Mint.Aster.Black-Eyed Susan.Coneflower.Milkweed.Rattlesnake Master.