Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners

Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills

PERENNIAL: Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed-grass) New in 2026!

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

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Despite its name, this charming, low-profile native* perennial is actually a member of the Iris family. Its dense, tufted clumps of sword-shaped leaves increase in size over time, and it can spread in optimum conditions to cover small areas and edge paths. Dainty, star-shaped blue flowers create a showy display from April to June.

*It appears to be common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Learn more about Sisyrinchium angustifolium.

Alternate, linear, sword-shaped, grass-like foliage of Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) in April.
Dainty flowers of with six sharply-pointed tepals of Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) in May.
Flower buds of Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) in May.
Flowering clump of Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) in May
Flowering tufts of Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden in May.
Tufts of Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) in a residential garden in Arlington, Virginia, in June.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (blue-eyed grass) foliage in snow in December.

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