Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium sp.) is a short, stiff perennial in the iris family.   It is native to the Interior Plateau, but most of the ones spotted in our area are Idaho blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchrum idahoense sp.), but Mountain blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium montanum) is quite similar and may also be found in pockets in the Interior area.   They grow from fibrous roots to as much as 30 cm.    Most of the leaves are basal, linear, and pointed.

In late spring the plant starts to bloom with several blue flowers with yellow eyes, at the ends of short stems.   Colors can vary to light blue, purple, or violet.    After flowering capsules form and black seeds are dispersed later in summer.

We have transplanted blue-eyed grass from the wild successfully and we have purchased plants to put into our garden. Since it is low-growing, placing them near the front of the garden bed is a good idea. It is a low-maintenance plant that may spread over time. It is one of our favorites.

Shared here is a Google Photos album of images from our home garden – Blue-eyed grass in the Garden

That album is also shared here as a slideshow: