Carolina yellow-eyed-grass (Xyris caroliniana, Fl. Carol.: 69 (1788))

Family: Xyridaceae

Author: Walter

Bibliography: Fl. Carol.: 69 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Xyris

Vegetable: False

Observations: New Jersey to Texas, W. Cuba

Description

Carolina yellow-eyed-grass, known scientifically as Xyris caroliniana, is a distinctive and attractive species that belongs to the Xyridaceae family. First described in 1788 by the botanist Walter, this plant has earned a noteworthy place in botanical reference works, being listed in the Flora Carolina (Fl. Carol.: 69).

Native to a wide range in eastern North America, the Carolina yellow-eyed-grass can be found from New Jersey extending down to Texas, and it is also present in the western regions of Cuba. This geographical span underscores its adaptability to varying climates and soil conditions, though it typically thrives in wetlands and moist, open environments which are characteristic of its native regions.

The plant is easily recognizable due to its bright, yellow flowers that exude a delicate charm. These blooms are not just visually striking but also key identifiers of the species. The foliage is typically grass-like, providing a lush green backdrop that accentuates the vibrant flowers and adds to the plant’s overall ornamental appeal.

Botanically, Xyris caroliniana is of significant interest, contributing to the diversity of wetland flora and playing a role in the ecosystem by supporting local wildlife. The flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which in turn promote the health and perpetuation of surrounding plant life.

In conclusion, Carolina yellow-eyed-grass is a notable species in the Xyridaceae family, revered for its beauty and ecological importance. Its presence from New Jersey to Texas and in W. Cuba underscores its adaptability and significance in the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: carolina yellow-eyed-grass, carolina yelloweyed grass
En: Carolina yellow-eyed-grass, Carolina yelloweyed grass
Ar: زيرون كاروليني

Synonyms

• Xyris scabra (Engelm.)
• Xyris fimbriata (Beyr. ex Kunth)
• Xyris torta var. pallescens (C.Mohr)
• Xyris pallescens (Small)
• Xyris canadensis (Schnizl.)
• Xyris caroliniana var. brevifolia ((Michx.) Alph.Wood)
• Xyris caroliniana f. flaccida (Fernald)
• Xyris caroliniana f. phyllolepis (Fernald)
• Xyris caroliniana var. scabra (Engelm. & A.Gray)
• Xyris conocephala var. pallescens ((C.Mohr) Malme)
• Xyris flexuosa var. pallescens ((Small) Barnhart)
• Xyris flexuosa (Muhl. ex Elliott)
• Xyris graminifolia (Chapm. ex Ries)
• Xyris conocephala (C.Wright)
• Xyris glabra (Engelm. ex Ries)
• Ramotha floridana (Raf.)
• Kotsjiletti flexuosa ((Muhl. ex Elliott) Nieuwl.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Luke Luke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Isaiah Amos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2002 by EOL − Lisa Kelly (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2002 by EOL − Lisa Kelly (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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/2692927)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:321291-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Xyris caroliniana Walter)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth