Sisyrinchium striatum

Yellow Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium striatum
Type: Perennial
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This relative of the Iris lacks the flamboyant showiness of  it’s cousin, but it is pretty nonetheless. A native of Chile and Argentina, it’s a good structural plant for informal gardens, producing a 3ft (90cm) high by 1ft (30cm) wide vase-shaped clump of greyish green, blade-like leaves. Flower spikes in the spring produce plentiful, half inch (1.25cm), pale yellow flowers with brighter yellow centers and pale purple or brown striping. If these are allowed to go to seed, the plant will self-sow freely. If this is undesirable, remove the flower spikes right after the blooms fade. The cultivar “Aunt May” features yellow variegated leaves.

Cheers,

John