Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Native perennial • Spring bloom • Small iris-relative

Blue-Eyed Grass is a petite native perennial in the iris family that produces starry violet-blue flowers from spring into early summer. Perfect for naturalistic borders, meadow edges, and pollinator plantings. Despite the name, this is not a grass, just grass-like foliage.

 Light

• Full sun to part sun
  
  

• Best flowering with at least 4–6 hours of direct light
  
  

• Too much shade = fewer blooms
  
  

 Water

• Average moisture
  
  

• Tolerates dry periods once established
  
  

• Prefers regular water in spring bloom season
  
  

• Avoid soggy soils
  
  

 Soil

• Well-drained soil
  
  

• Sandy loam ideal
  
  

• Handles average clay once established
  
  

• Avoid constantly wet sites
  
  

 Hardiness

• USDA Zones 4–9
  
  

• Excellent Southeast native
  
  

• Tolerates heat surprisingly well
  
  

 Blooming

• Spring through early summer
  
  

• Star-shaped violet/blue flowers
  
  

• Supports small native bees and spring pollinators
  
  

• Subtle but charming display
  
  

 Growth Habit

• Clumping iris-like foliage
  
  

• 6–12 inches tall
  
  

• Slowly spreading clumps
  
  

• Naturalizes lightly (not aggressive)
  
  

Great for edging paths and mixing among early natives.

 Planting Notes

Depth: crown level
Spacing: 8–12 inches
Keep mulch light around crowns to avoid rot.

 Best Landscape Uses

• Meadow borders
  
  

• Pollinator gardens
  
  

• Naturalistic edge plantings
  
  

• Pathway edging
  
  

• Rain garden upper slopes (well-drained)
  
  

 Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Coreopsis
  
  

• Blue grama
  
  

• Butterfly weed
  
  

• Little bluestem
  
  

• Rudbeckia
  
  

• Wild columbine (in light shade)
  
  

 Native Value

Early nectar for small bees and spring pollinators. Provides edge habitat structure in native meadows and naturalized plantings.

⚠ Common Problems

Sparse blooms

Increase sun.

Fading clumps

Soil too wet, improve drainage.

Flopping

Too much shade or fertilizer.