Sisyrinchium is a large genus in the Iridaceae family found in the Americas and naturalized elsewhere. It has grasslike leaves and grows from a rhizome and has flowers that are purple to blue, yellow, or occasionally white.
Sisyrinchium bellum, known as Blue-eyed Grass, is found in open grassy places in the Pacific states blooming for a long time in spring to summer. The first two photographs by Bob Rutemoeller from wild plants blooming in Sonoma County, California. The last was taken by Mary Sue Ittner at Navarro Point in Mendocino County.
Sisyrinchium californicum , known as yellow-eyed or golden-eyed grass, is found near the coast in wet places from British Columbia to central California. It has bright yellow flowers. It is almost too good a garden plant if grown in a sunny spot with adequate moisture since it reseeds well, but dies out over time in a summer dry garden. Photos by Mary Sue Ittner.
Photos from Salt Point State Park, Sonoma County, California where it is found growing only in marshy places or areas that get extra water such as road verges. Photos by Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller.
Sisyrinchium macrocarpum is a species from Argentina. The first photo was taken May 2004 by Bob Rutemoeller in Harry Hay's gardens. It had been grown from seed sown in 2003. The next three photos were taken by Mary Sue Ittner of flowers and the unusual seed pods. So far it is still alive with a dry summer, but this is the first flowering from seed so time will tell how it does in a Mediterranean climate.
Sisyrinchium striatum is native to Chile and Argentina. It has gray green leaves and spikelike clusters of pale yellow flowers to about 3 ft. It needs some summer water and care to cut off spent flowers to prevent new seedlings appearing in great quantities. Photos by Mary Sue Ittner.
