Western Blue-Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium bellum
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Dawn Endico (www.flickr.com) from Menlo Park, California
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Genus:
- Sisyrinchium
- Species:
- Sisyrinchium bellum
- USDA Symbol:
- SIBE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 45 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, violet
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rhizomes after fire; common in California grasslands with periodic burns.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with cold stratification and can be erratic. Surface sow as seeds need light for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * 30% germination