Prairie Blue Eyes
Sisyrinchium campestre
Prairie Blue Eyes is a delicate native wildflower with grass-like foliage and charming star-shaped flowers in pale blue to white. Despite its name, it is a member of the iris family, not a grass.
Iridaceae (Iris family)
Spring to early summer (April-June, varies by region)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: white prairie clovers and purple prairie clovers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Prairie Blue Eyes represents the native grasslands of North America and the delicate beauty of prairie ecosystems. As a member of the iris family, it shares the elegant form of its relatives despite its diminutive size and grass-like foliage. The flowers attract native bees and small pollinators.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering; tolerates partial shade but with reduced blooms
Water
Prefers dry to medium moisture; tolerates seasonal flooding in native prairie habitats but needs excellent drainage; drought tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Dry to medium moisture, Tolerates poor soils
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions
Best suited for medium to dry sites with sandy or loamy soil
Flowers open only on sunny days
Shear after blooming to maintain tidy appearance and prevent excessive self-seeding
Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor
Readily self-seeds and naturalizes
No serious pest or disease problems
Deer resistant
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and meadow gardens
- Rock gardens and borders
- Cottage gardens
- Native plant gardens
- Front of borders and edging
- Naturalized areas
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Prairie Blue Eyes
Is Prairie Blue Eyes a grass?
No, despite its common name "Blue-eyed Grass," Prairie Blue Eyes (Sisyrinchium campestre) is not a grass. It is a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae) with grass-like foliage but produces flowers like its iris relatives.
Do Prairie Blue Eyes flowers close at night?
Yes, Prairie Blue Eyes flowers only open on sunny days and close at night or during cloudy weather. This behavior is common in Sisyrinchium species.
Where does Prairie Blue Eyes grow naturally?
Prairie Blue Eyes is native to central North America, from Texas to Manitoba, primarily west of the Mississippi River. It grows naturally in prairies, open woods, glades, and grassy areas with well-drained soils.
How do I grow Prairie Blue Eyes from seed?
Prairie Blue Eyes seeds benefit from cold stratification. Direct sow in fall for natural stratification, or cold-stratify seeds for 6 weeks in the refrigerator before sowing in spring. Plants typically flower in the fourth or fifth year from seed.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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White Prairie Clover
Dalea candida (syn. Petalostemum candidum)
White Prairie Clover is a nitrogen-fixing native legume with distinctive cylindrical white flower spikes that bloom from bottom to top. Its deep taproot makes it exceptionally drought tolerant and vital for prairie restoration.
Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Purple Prairie Clover is a drought-tolerant native prairie legume with distinctive thimble-shaped purple flower spikes. Valued for wildlife, soil improvement, and authentic prairie restoration.
Blue-Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Blue-Eyed Grass is a charming native perennial with delicate star-shaped blue flowers and iris-like foliage. Despite its name, it's actually a member of the iris family.