Sisyrinchium californicum (Yellow-eyed-grass)

Plant Description: Sisyrinchium californicum is a small, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with grayish green leaves. It is evergreen in mild climates or in the warmer winters of the Willamette Valley. Being part of the iris family, it has the characteristic flattened, grass-like leaves. It spreads naturally through underground rhizomes, as well as reseeding itself. Two to seven petite, star-shaped flowers bloom at the tips of unbranched flower stalks, slightly above the foliage. Flowers have bright yellow tepals with dark purple veins apparent on the undersides, each blossom only lasting one day, but quickly followed by more. Fruit is an ovoid capsule filled with black seeds. 

• Height: 6-16"
• Width: 6-12"
• Watering needs: regular
• Sun needs: full sun to part shade
• Soil needs: moist to wet 
• Bloom Time: May into August

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This native plant is found in moist coastal areas, from British Columbia south through much of California. Prefers its feet to be wet and grows in moist meadows, wetlands, pond edges, and bogs up to elevations of 2000 ft. We recommend growing this plant in meadowscapes and rain gardens. 

Growing Conditions: Grows best in sun to partial shade and in moist to wet soil.