Family: Hypoxidaceae
Author: (L.) Coville
Bibliography: Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 5: 118 (1894)
Year: 1894
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hypoxis
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to Mexico (Tamualipas)
Description
Yellow star-grass, scientifically known as Hypoxis hirsuta, is a perennial herbaceous plant famous for its striking, vibrant yellow flowers. Belonging to the Hypoxidaceae family, this plant has graced a variety of landscapes from Central and Eastern Canada down through Mexico, including regions like Tamaulipas.
Displaying a resilient nature, Yellow star-grass typically flourishes in sunny, well-drained areas and is often found in meadows, prairies, and sandy soils. The species has a long-standing history, first documented in the late 19th century, and it continues to be a subject of botanical interest due to its widespread occurrence and distinctive appearance.
The plant’s foliage consists of slender, grass-like leaves that form a basal rosette at the ground level. From this cluster rises a delicate stem, atop which the charming star-shaped yellow flowers bloom. These blossoms usually appear in late spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to their native habitats.
Hypoxis hirsuta holds ecological value, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits by providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This, in turn, supports the intricate web of life within these ecosystems.
For gardeners and plant enthusiasts, Yellow star-grass offers a delightful and easily maintained addition to naturalistic garden settings. Its minimal requirements and bright floral display make it an appealing choice for those looking to enhance their garden’s aesthetic and ecological health.
In summary, Hypoxis hirsuta, or Yellow star-grass, is not only a beautiful plant but also a valuable component of North America’s diverse botanical landscape. Its enduring presence from Canada to Mexico underscores its adaptability and significance in the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: common goldstar, yellow star-grass, eastern yellow stargrass, common stargrass, yellow stargrass
Fra: hypoxis hirsute
En: Yellow star-grass, Common goldstar, Yellow Star Grass, Eastern Yellow Star-Grass, Eastern yellow stargrass, Common stargrass, Yellow stargrass
Fr: Hypoxis hirsute
Fa: زرداختر معمولی
Synonyms
- Ornithogalum hirsutum (L.)
- Hypoxis grandis (Pollard)
- Hypoxis graminea (Pursh)
- Hypoxis micrantha (Pollard)
- Hypoxis hirsuta f. villosissima (Fernald)
- Hypoxis pallida (Salisb.)
- Hypoxis erecta (L.)
- Hypoxis carolinensis (Michx.)
- Hypoxis pilosa (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2020 by M Bia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Holly Denton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Claudia Flach (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2020 by Reid Wardle (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 17, 2019 by L1M4 R4QU3L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Michel Bergen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Daniela Davis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 25, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 12, 2015 by EOL − Sarah Ladybug Deerman (cc-by)
Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − toddtracks (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 16, 2015 by EOL − emily-luebke (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 16, 2015 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Eira Meng (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2852794)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:126636-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypoxis hirsuta (L.) Coville)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Crown
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 5.2