Western Blue-Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium bellum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Genus:
- Sisyrinchium
- Species:
- Sisyrinchium bellum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- Blue, Purple
Native Range
United States: California, Oregon
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, grassy areas and slopes
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Surface sterilize seed coats with a 5 to 10 minute Physan disinfectant soak or a 3 to 5 minute 5% bleach solution. Alternatively, use 30 minute hot water scarification or Wrights Liquid Smoke at the rate of 1:2 (v:v) liquid smoke to water for 24 hours. Seeds undergo a natural cold, moist stratification during winter months.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected when fully matured, typically in May and June. The plant is found throughout Oregon and California and the Channel islands, but is considered rare on Catalina Island.
Source: npn.rngr.net