Sisyrinchium campestre aka Prairie Blue Eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium campestre is known as prairie blue-eyed grass. It belongs to the iris family, despite its grass-like leaves. This perennial grows in clumps and has an upright form. Its native range runs from Manitoba into the central and eastern United States. It grows in a temperate climate. In Missouri, it occurs across the state in several habitats. These include open woods, glades, prairies, and other grassy places.

The plant forms a tuft of thin, narrow leaves. Each leaf can reach about 0.016 feet [0.005 metres] wide. The foliage often stands about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] tall. It less often reaches about 0.83 feet [0.25 metres]. Listed garden height reaches 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Mature clumps spread about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] wide. The flowering stems are flat and do not branch. Flowers rise from a leaf-like bract at each stem's top.

Small flower clusters bring pale blue or white to spring plantings. Each flower has six pointed tepals around a yellow eye. Flowers measure up to about 0.04 feet [0.013 metres] across. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from April through June. Chicago Botanic Garden also records bloom in March and April. Its records include May and June as well. These flowers provide the plant's main show of color. The slim leaves give the clumps a grassy look.

Grow this species in full sun for its preferred exposure. It also tolerates light shade or a partly shaded site. Give it soil that drains well yet stays moist. It prefers steady moisture rather than soil that dries out. Its water needs are moderate, and maintenance needs are low. Both garden sources list USDA hardiness zones 2–8. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease problems. Divide clumps every two or three years when needed to maintain vigor.

Use it in informal plantings, including cottage and native gardens. It also suits woodland gardens and areas left to naturalize. Its short clumps fit border fronts and rock gardens. They can also edge paths and walks. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bedding and specimen uses. Plants can seed freely when growing conditions suit them. Shear them after flowering to limit unwanted seedlings. This also tidies the leaves for the rest of the season.