Sisyrinchium
Sisyrinchium spp. (incl. S. angustifolium, S. bellum)
Sisyrinchium, known as Blue-Eyed Grass, is a charming iris-family native wildflower with grass-like foliage and dainty six-petaled stars in blue-violet, yellow, or white. It symbolizes trust, sincerity, and the simple joy of small, perfect things.
Iridaceae (Iris family)
Spring to early summer (April–June); some species rebloom sporadically
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Despite being a member of the iris family, Sisyrinchium's grass-like appearance has long made it a botanical curiosity and a symbol of things that are not what they first appear — a reminder to look closely at the world's small wonders. In Ireland, the closely related S. bermudiana has become a distinctive part of the Burren landscape in County Clare, where it blooms in the limestone pavements and has been adopted as a beloved emblem of Irish wildflower heritage. Across North America, Blue-Eyed Grass is a quintessential component of native spring meadows, evoking the unspoiled beauty of grasslands before European settlement. Its common name inspires a poetic image: small blue eyes gazing up from a sea of green.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; flowers most abundantly in full sun
Water
Moderate moisture; established plants have good drought tolerance; appreciates consistent moisture for best spring flowering
Soil
Moist to average, Well-drained, Loamy to sandy, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained, moderately moist soil in full sun for best flowering
Self-sows readily and naturalizes in suitable conditions to form attractive colonies
Divide clumps in spring or fall every 3–4 years to rejuvenate and spread
Avoid heavy clay soils that stay waterlogged in winter — this can cause crown rot
Despite the name "grass," Sisyrinchium is not a grass — it is related to iris and should not be mown with a lawn
Cut back old foliage in early spring to make way for fresh new growth and flowers
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Meadow and prairie garden ground cover
- Rock gardens and gravel garden edging
- Native plant and wildflower gardens
- Border edging with fine-textured foliage interest
- Lawn and turf alternatives in naturalized settings
- Pollinator gardens attracting native bees and small butterflies
Traditional Uses
- Various Native American peoples used Sisyrinchium preparations as a mild laxative and to treat stomach complaints
- Root infusions were used by some tribes for fever and as a diuretic
- No significant modern clinical use; primarily valued as an ornamental wildflower
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sisyrinchium
Is sisyrinchium actually a grass?
No — despite the common name "Blue-Eyed Grass," Sisyrinchium is not a grass at all. It is a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae) and is closely related to iris and crocosmia. Its fine, flat, grass-like leaves give it a grassy appearance, but it produces distinctly iris-like six-petaled flowers.
What does sisyrinchium look like?
Sisyrinchium forms low, clumping tufts of narrow, flattened, grass-like foliage. Above this, flattened stems bear small, star-shaped, six-petaled flowers — most commonly in blue-violet with a yellow center, giving rise to the "blue-eyed" name. Flowers open in sunshine and close on cloudy days.
What does sisyrinchium symbolize?
Sisyrinchium symbolizes trust, sincerity, and the joy found in small, perfect things. Its tiny but exquisite star-shaped flowers evoke the idea that beauty and meaning can be found in the overlooked and understated moments of life.
When does sisyrinchium bloom?
Sisyrinchium blooms in spring to early summer, typically from April through June. Some species produce sporadic flowers through summer if conditions remain cool and moist. Individual flowers are short-lived but are produced continuously throughout the blooming period.
How do you grow sisyrinchium?
Grow Sisyrinchium in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, moderately moist soil. It naturalizes readily by self-seeding, making it excellent for wildflower gardens and meadow plantings. Divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous, and avoid heavy, waterlogged soils in winter.
Is sisyrinchium native to Ireland?
Yes — Sisyrinchium bermudiana (Blue-Eyed Grass) has a unique and celebrated presence in Ireland, particularly in the Burren region of County Clare, where it is believed to have been introduced centuries ago. It is now considered a naturalized part of the Irish flora and is cherished as a distinctive wildflower of that landscape.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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