Blue-eyed Grass (3)

Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium montanum

Family: Iris (Iridaceae)
AKA: Eyebright, Blue Star
Photo taken on: May 27, 2006
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to subalpine
Habitat: Moist meadows

Grows to 20" amongst grasses with grass-like leaves and un-branched flower stems. Flowers are blue to deep blue with yellow at the base of the petals.

Flora of North America reference.

Pale Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium pallidum

Family: Iris (Iridaceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on: June 30, 2019
Location: Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area, SLV, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to montane
Habitat: Wet meadows, alkaline soils

Grows to 12" amongst grasses and rushes with grass-like leaves. Flowers are pale blue with yellow at the base of the petals.

Listed as a rare plant in Colorado.

Flora of North America reference.

Stiff Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium demissum

Family: Iris (Iridaceae)
AKA: Dwarf Blue-eyed Grass
Photo taken on: June 6, 2021
Location: Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM
Life Zones: Plains to montane
Habitat: Moist areas, seeps, stream banks

Grows to 20" amongst grasses with grass-like leaves and branched flower stems. Flowers are bluish-violet with yellow at the base of the petals. Differentiated from S. montanum by the branched flower stem.

Flora of North America reference.