|
Photographer: Kenneth J. Sytsma
|
Family Iridaceae
Sisyrinchium albidum Raf.
common blue-eyed-grass, pale blue-eyed-grass, white blue-eyed-grass
Sisyrinchium: Greek sys for pig; rynchos for snout; referring to a pig grubbing the roots for food
albidum: white
|
|
| Status: | Native |
| Plant: | erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb, pale green, smooth, dries to a yellow-green or olive; stems distinctly winged, not wiry, to 1/8" wide, unbranched |
| Flower: | white to blue, 6-parted, 1/2" - 1" wide, tepals with yellow bases; tips notched with a sharp point; inflorescence of 2, usually stalkless clusters at the top of the stem just above a long, bract-like leaf that often hides the inner cluster, 2 sheaths (spathes) greenish or often slightly purplish, usually separated at the base, outer sheath 1/2"-1" long; blooms May-July |
| Fruit: | small, roundish, tan to light brown capsule |
| Leaf: | narrow, almost as wide as the stems, smooth |
| Habitat: | dry to moderate moisture; prairies, meadows, open woods; in sandy soil |
| (Glossary) |
|
