Plant
Western Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium bellumAlso known as Californian Blue-eyed Grass
Western blue-eyed grass is a small iris relative with narrow grasslike leaves and violet-blue flowers centered in yellow. The six pointed tepals open in sun on slender flattened stems and may close in dull weather.
Grasslike IrisSpring WildflowerOpen Meadow
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic; fibrous roots absorb seasonal moisture and soil nutrients
Predators
- Slugs
- Caterpillars
- Browsing mammals
ThreatsDevelopment, invasive grasses, trampling, poorly timed mowing, and altered moisture
HabitatsOpen grassland, meadows, woodland openings, moist flats, slopes, and roadsides
Life spanPerennial; individual clumps return for multiple years
Classification
- FamilyIridaceae
- SpeciesSisyrinchium bellum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Avoid picking flowers or stepping on small clumps hidden among grasses.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for six blue-violet tepals around a bright yellow center.
- Timing: Visit in sunshine when flowers are most likely open.
- Protect: Photograph from paths and leave flowering stems intact.
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