Sisyrinchium idahoense var. macounii
MACOUN'S BLUE-EYED GRASS, IDAHO BLUE-EYED GRASS
syn. S. macounii
Family: Iridaceae
Pronounced: sis-ee-RINK-ee-um eye-duh-ho-EN-see
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
British Columbia, and Washington.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 7-8.
Heat zones: 8-7.
Mature size:
Height: 5 inches (13 cm).
Width: 6 inches (15 cm).
Flowering period:
Mid spring to summer.
Flowering attributes:
Blue to purple-blue, 1-inch size flowers with a yellow eye, set in clusters of 1-5 blossoms.
Leaf attributes:
Up to 8 inches long (20 cm), narrow, lightly glaucous, grass-like leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump forming.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Moist or marsh-like soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in spring or fall; will self seed freely.
Divide plants in spring.
Rainy Side Notes
Even though it looks like grass, these Sisyrinchiums are small and dainty, yet tough as nails, members of the Iris family. This variant is only found in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and King Counties in Washington state and up in British Columbia, in the Gulf Islands, and Southern Vancouver Island. In San Juan County, it is commonly found around the islands.
This is a wetland plant; if you have perpetually wet areas in the garden, this will be a good choice.
As pretty as these deep blue wildflowers are, they are not good to pick for bouquets. Enjoy them in the garden or the wild; as soon as they are cut, the flowers are extremely short-lived.
Photographed in author's garden.

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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