Sisyrinchium mucronatum aka Needle Tip Blue Eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium mucronatum is a small perennial in the iris family. Its common names include slender and needle-tip blue-eyed grass. Despite those names, it is not a true grass. Its native range spans Canada and the north-central and eastern United States. It grows in woods, fields, and meadows. It also grows beside ponds and streams.

Plants form upright clumps, with thin rhizomes spreading from the base. They reach 0.5–1.5 feet [0.15–0.46 metres] tall. Clumps spread 0.5–0.67 feet [0.15–0.20 metres] wide. Growth proceeds at a medium rate. The green, grasslike leaves grow mainly from the base. They reach about 0.67 feet [0.20 metres] long. Each leaf is narrow, simple, hairless, and smooth-edged. Flower stalks rise above the leaves. These stiff, straight stems have wings and do not branch. Their surfaces are smooth and lack scent.

Flowers appear from April to June, usually in blue or violet. Some plants bear white flowers. Each stalk carries two to four blooms, which open in turn. Each star-shaped flower measures less than 0.063 feet [0.019 metres] across. Three petals and three slightly broader sepals form the flower. Each rounded segment ends in a fine point. Two leaflike bracts surround the flowers and exceed the stem's width. Blooms shut toward evening and reopen the next morning. Small, round capsules appear from June to July. They turn brown or black and split when ripe. Each reveals two or more black seeds. The fruits attract songbirds.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. It accepts sandy soil or loam with good drainage. Suitable soil can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. It grows in moist soil and tolerates occasional dry spells. The listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 3 through 8. It also tolerates salt, which adds value near coasts. Seed is a recommended way to raise new plants.

This low-care wildflower suits borders and group plantings. Use it in native, cottage, rock, or cutting gardens. It also fits meadows, pond edges, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. Its small size suits path edges and banks. The flowers can serve as cut flowers. NC State reports no serious pest or disease problems. The supplied sources give no food uses or toxicity findings. They therefore do not establish whether people or pets can eat it safely.