Family: Xyridaceae
Author: Chapm.
Bibliography: Fl. South. U.S.: 500 (1860)
Year: 1860
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Xyris
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A., Belize, Puerto Rico
Description
The Bog Yelloweyed Grass, known scientifically as Xyris difformis, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Xyridaceae family. This species was first documented in detail by the botanist Alvan Wentworth Chapman in his comprehensive work “Flora of the Southern United States,” published in 1860.
Xyris difformis thrives in wetland habitats and is frequently found in boggy and marshy areas, where its ability to adapt to moist and acidic soils gives it a distinct ecological advantage. The plant’s geographical range is extensive, spanning from eastern Canada through central and eastern regions of the United States and extending into parts of Belize and Puerto Rico. This wide distribution underscores its adaptability to various climates and terrains within these regions.
Characterized by its slender, grass-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, the Bog Yelloweyed Grass adds a splash of color to its native wetland environments. The plant produces small, inconspicuous clusters of flowers that emerge from a slender, erect stem. These flowers, true to its name, are vibrant yellow and typically bloom during the late spring to early autumn months. The radiant yellow flowers stand in stark contrast to the green backdrop of swampy vegetation, making it a notable species within its habitat.
Xyris difformis plays a vital role in its ecosystem, often contributing to the biodiversity of wetland areas. It offers habitat and food for a variety of insect species, including pollinators that are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance within these wetland communities. The persistence of this species across such a broad geographical range is indicative of its resilience and the essential ecological functions it serves.
Environmental enthusiasts and botanists alike value the Bog Yelloweyed Grass for its ecological importance and its unique aesthetic appeal. Conservation efforts continue to be important to preserve the natural habitats where Xyris difformis and other wetland species thrive, ensuring that these vibrant yellow blossoms can continue to brighten bogs and marshlands for generations to come.
Common Names
Eng: bog yelloweyed grass, southern yelloweyed grass, bog yellow-eyed grass, bog yellow-eyed-grass, carolina yellow-eyed-grass, southern yellow-eyed-grass, tall yellow-eyed-grass, two-formed yellow-eyed-grass
Fra: xyris difforme
En: Bog yelloweyed grass, Bog Yellow-Eyed-Grass, SOUTHERN YELLOWEYED GRASS, Bog Yellow-eyed Grass, Carolina yellow-eyed-grass, Southern yellow-eyed-grass, Tall yellow-eyed-grass, Two-formed yellow-eyed-grass
Ar: زيرون ثنائي الشكل
Fr: Xyris difforme
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2693121)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:871428-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Xyris difformis Chapm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
