Scientific Family
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Sisyrinchium amethystinum, Sisyrinchium demissum var. amethystinum, Sisyrinchium longipedunculatum
Other common names
dwarf blue-eyed grass
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
20 inches
Riparian
Yes
Distinctive characteristics of this plants are its dense, grass-like clumps of folded leaves and a strikingly beautiful solitary purple flower.
Erect to lax slender stems; leaves mostly basal, folded, paired; solitary flower on stem branches; 6 tepals (petals and sepals); dark purple, bright yellow at base; crossed by 3 or 5 darker veins; tiny, spine-like projection at tips.
Habitat
Found along ephemeral waters (dry streams that flow after periods of rain), streams, wet moist meadows, springs and meadows.
Plant Community
Riparian
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
10000
Flower Characteristics
Pair of bracts enclose flower cluster; outer bract 1/2 to 1-1/4 inches long; tapering evenly to apex; margins united basally 1/16 to 1/4 inch; symmetrical; 6 tepals (sepals and petals) 1/4 to 3/4 inch, anther filaments united; hairless ovary.
Flower color
Purple, yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems 1/8 inch wide; 1 to 2 nodes; uppermost with 2 to 3 branches; margins smooth; hairless surface; leaves folded lengthwise, 1/16 to 1/4 inch wide; mostly basal, overlapping, paired.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Straw to beige color; dry; splits lengthwise at maturity to divide each chamber into 2 parts; 1/8 to 1/4 inch long; oval to nearly round.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Light brown
Dark brown or black.