Sisyrinchium angustifolium, commonly known as Stout Blue-Eyed Grass, is a charming native perennial wildflower found in moist meadows, open woods, streambanks, and prairies throughout Illinois. Despite its name and grass-like appearance, it is actually a member of the iris family. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it tolerates a range of conditions.
This low-growing plant typically reaches 0.5 to 1 feet tall and features slender, upright, blade-like leaves that resemble grass. From late spring to early summer, it produces small but striking star-shaped flowers that range from violet-blue to purplish-blue, each with a yellow center. The flowers open in the morning and often close by afternoon.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Sisyrinchium angustifolium is an excellent choice for borders, rain gardens, and naturalized plantings. It provides delicate beauty, supports early pollinators like native bees, and works well as a groundcover in sunny to lightly shaded areas. It pairs nicely with other low-growing natives such as Wild Strawberry, Prairie Smoke, and Jacob’s Ladder in layered, ecologically beneficial designs.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium, commonly known as Stout Blue-Eyed Grass, is a charming native perennial wildflower found in moist meadows, open woods, streambanks, and prairies throughout Illinois. Despite its name and grass-like appearance, it is actually a member of the iris family. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it tolerates a range of conditions.
This low-growing plant typically reaches 0.5 to 1 feet tall and features slender, upright, blade-like leaves that resemble grass. From late spring to early summer, it produces small but striking star-shaped flowers that range from violet-blue to purplish-blue, each with a yellow center. The flowers open in the morning and often close by afternoon.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Sisyrinchium angustifolium is an excellent choice for borders, rain gardens, and naturalized plantings. It provides delicate beauty, supports early pollinators like native bees, and works well as a groundcover in sunny to lightly shaded areas. It pairs nicely with other low-growing natives such as Wild Strawberry, Prairie Smoke, and Jacob’s Ladder in layered, ecologically beneficial designs.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: floodplain forests; moist oak savannas; moist to mesic black soil prairies; the slopes of rivers; thickets; woodland borders and openings
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type: forb (0.5 to 1 foot)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: rich loam that is high in organic matter
