superbloomings:
Let’s take a look at some Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrínchium béllum). Found in the Iris...
Let’s take a look at some Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrínchium béllum).
Found in the Iris Family (Iridaceae) these common perennial herbs are native to our mountains and bloom typically from March through May in grassy meadows and other open spaces.
Fun fact: Spanish Californians used the roots to make tea for the specific purpose to ward off fevers and called S. béllum “azulea.”
Ancient fact: Sisyrínchium was a plant the Greek student Theophrastus (372-287 B.C.) described relating to the Iris. His works on plants were relied extensively on by Renaissance writers. He was Aristotle’s successor.
References:
Dale, N. (2000). Flowering plants of the Santa Monica Mountains: Coastal and chaparral regions of Southern California. Sacramento: California Native Plant Society.
McAuley, M., & Kenney, J. P. (1985). Wildflowers of the Santa Monica mountains. Canoga Park, CA: Canyon Pub.
