American blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium montanum, Pittonia 4: 33 (1899))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: Greene

Bibliography: Pittonia 4: 33 (1899)

Year: 1899

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sisyrinchium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to N. & C. U.S.A.

Description

American blue-eyed-grass, scientifically known as Sisyrinchium montanum, is a charming perennial wildflower that belongs to the Iridaceae family. This plant holds a delightful appeal due to its delicate, grass-like foliage and small, star-shaped flowers that boast a mesmerizing shade of blue. Despite its common name, it is not actually a type of grass. Its vivid flowers serve as a beautiful contrast to the green of the surrounding vegetation, often catching the eye of nature enthusiasts and botanists alike.

First described by the botanist Edward Lee Greene in 1899, as noted in Pittonia (4: 33), the American blue-eyed-grass has a robust geographical distribution. It thrives in a variety of habitats ranging from subarctic regions of America to the northern and central parts of the United States. This adaptable and resilient species is often found in meadows, prairies, and along the edges of woodlands and wetlands, flourishing in both moist and well-drained soils.

The flowers of Sisyrinchium montanum usually appear in late spring to early summer. Each blossom, characterized by six pointed petals, typically measures about half an inch across. The central portion of the flower often features a bright yellow eye, enhancing its visual appeal. These flowers not only add splendor to natural landscapes but also play an important role in sustaining local ecosystems by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Cultivating American blue-eyed-grass can be rewarding for gardeners interested in native plant species. It requires minimal maintenance and is generally resistant to pests and diseases. This makes it an ideal choice for adding a touch of natural beauty to gardens, while supporting local wildlife.

In summary, Sisyrinchium montanum, or American blue-eyed-grass, is a notable member of the Iridaceae family, characterized by its striking blue flowers and widespread adaptability across various North American regions. Its historical botanical description by Greene highlights its longstanding recognition and significance within the plant community. With its aesthetic charm and ecological benefits, American blue-eyed-grass remains a valuable addition to both natural habitats and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Eng: american blue-eyed-grass, blue-eyed-grass, mountain blue-eyed grass, mountain blueeyed grass, strict blue-eyed grass, strict blue-eyed-grass, common blue-eyed-grass, little blue-eyed-grass, mountain blue-eyed-grass
Fra: bermudienne des montagnes, herbe aux yeux bleus, sisyrinchium des montagnes, bermudienne montagnarde, bermudienne, bermudienne commune
Dan: bjerg-blåøje, blåøje
Deu: schmalblättriges blauaugengras, schmalblättriges grasschwertel, berg-g.
Lit: siauralapė vikšruolė
Est: ahtalehine sininokk
Swe: gräslilja, blå gräslilja
Lav: šaurlapu sizirinhija
Nld: ruslelie
Cym: llygatlas america, sisirinciwm y mynydd
En: American blue-eyed-grass, Blue-eyed-grass, Strict blue-eyed grass, Strict Blue-Eyed-Grass, MOUNTAIN BLUE EYEDGRASS, Mountain blueeyed grass, Mountain blue-eyed grass, Common blue-eyed-grass, Little blue-eyed-grass, Mountain blue-eyed-grass
Be: Блакітнавочка горная
Da: Bjerg-blåøje, Blåøje
Nl: Ruslelie, Sisyrinchium
Et: Ahtalehine sininokk
Fi: Kuovinkukka, Vuorisilmiö
Fr: Bermudienne montagnarde, Bermudienne des montagnes, Herbe aux yeux bleus, Sisyrinchium des montagnes, Bermudienne, Bermudienne commune
De: Schmalblättriges Blauaugengras, Schmalblättriges Grasschwertel, Berg-G., Blauaugengras, Blumensimse, Grasschwertel
It: Giglietto montano
Lv: Šaurlapu sizirinhija
Lt: Siauralapė vikšruolė
Ru: Голубоглазка горная
Sv: Gräslilja, Blå gräslilja
Uk: Синьоочки вузьколисті
Cy: Sisirinciwm y mynydd, Llygatlas America

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc GORREMANS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2020 by Monika Kopp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Michelle Walter (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2021 by Sveta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by Burns Francis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Avery Armstrong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Patty A (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 30, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc GORREMANS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Sarah Cornell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Marie Lauzon (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5296178)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:441187-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sisyrinchium montanum Greene)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 2