Bermuda Blue-Eyed Grass, Narrowleaf blue-eyed grass
Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

Sisyrinchium angustifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

Sandy woods in Texas. Naturalised in Britain where it grows in marshy meadows and on lake shores.

Western Ireland. South-eastern N. America. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. They are mixed with other greens.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is astringent. An infusion is used to treat diarrhoea in adults and children. The leaves are eaten as a cooked green to regulate the bowels. An infusion of the plant has been used to treat stomach complaints and stomach worms.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a moist but well-drained humus-rich loamy soil and a position in full sun, though it will tolerate part-day shade. gives a hardiness rating of zone 3 to this plant (tolerating winter temperatures down to about -40°c) but then says that the plant will need the protection of a cold greenhouse in areas where the temperature falls much below freezing. Plants will often self-sow when growing in a suitable position.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in the autumn, though it can also be sown in the spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. graminoides. Bicknell.