Xyris torta aka Slender Yellow Eyed Grass

Xyris torta is known as slender yelloweyed grass or yellow-eyed grass. It belongs to the Xyridaceae family. This short-lived perennial comes from the central and eastern United States. It grows in bogs, marshes, and wet roadside ditches. It also grows along lake shores and river banks. Its native range lies in a temperate climate.

The plant forms upright clumps with a loose vase shape. It reaches about 0.8–2.5 feet (0.25–0.76 metres) tall. Clumps spread 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 metres) wide. A deep-rooted bulb has a chestnut-brown coat. The plant grows at a moderate rate and sheds its leaves. Its narrow green leaves look like grass blades. They have smooth edges and strongly raised veins. Each blade can exceed 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) in length. The leaves may twist, and their bases can turn pink or red.

One or more flower stems rise from the base. These thin, leafless stems stand upright above the foliage. Their smooth surfaces have ribs and a spiral twist. The stems can swell and turn almost black near their bases. A tight brown spike sits at each stem tip. Small yellow flowers open from this head in spring and summer. Each flower measures less than an inch across. Only one or two flowers tend to open at once. This limits the size of the floral display. Scale-like bracts wind around the head, each holding one flower. Each bloom has three fertile yellow stamens and three hairy sterile stamens. The bracts stay in place as the seed head grows. The fruit is a capsule, with translucent, oval seeds.

Grow this plant in full sun and acidic soil. It suits sandy or loamy ground rich in organic matter. The soil should stay moist to wet. It also tolerates frequent standing water. North Carolina State lists it for USDA zones 3–9. These needs suit wet garden sites rather than dry beds. The source rates its upkeep as low.

Its fine leaves bring a light texture to wet plantings. Use it as an accent or plant it in groups. Suitable settings include wet meadows, water gardens, and stream edges. It also fits native plantings and small wet spaces. The flowers attract pollinators, making it useful in pollinator gardens. The supplied sources give no specific pest or disease concerns. They also give no evidence on food uses or toxicity.