Carolina Yelloweyed Grass
Xyris caroliniana

Family: Xyridaceae

What it is like

Xyris caroliniana is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind, insects. 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 or wet soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Moist sands of pine savannas, bog edges, upper shores, flatwoods, sandy coastal dune swales, coastal plain from sea level to 300 metres.

Eastern N. America - Ontario to New York and south to Florida.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Poultice, skin. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. It is said to be a good remedy for children to use.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in damp borders and the bog garden, requiring a moist humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it if possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division as plants come into growth in the spring.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Kotsjiletti flexuosa. Ramotha floridana. Xyris canadensis. Xyris fimbriata. Xyris flexuosa. Xyris gl