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Description
Sisyrinchium Bellum, commonly known as Blue-eyed grass, is a small perennial plant that belongs to the Iris family. It is native to the western United States and Canada, where it grows in a variety of habitats ranging from grasslands to forests. The plant produces grass-like leaves that are up to 10 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. The flowers are blue or purple and have yellow centers. Sisyrinchium Bellum blooms from late spring to early summer, and the flowers last for up to a week.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Sisyrinchium |
Appearance
Sisyrinchium Bellum is a small plant that grows up to 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It produces narrow, grass-like leaves that are blue-green in color and up to 10 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. The plant also produces blue or purple flowers that have yellow centers. The flowers are star-shaped and have six petals that are up to 0.5 inches long. The petals have a slightly ruffled appearance and are arranged in a whorl around the center of the flower. The flowers sit atop thin stems that rise above the leaves.
Care Guide
Sisyrinchium Bellum is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
Water: Blue-eyed grass prefers moist soil, so water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Sisyrinchium Bellum does not require much fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Blue-eyed grass prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Sisyrinchium Bellum prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Blue-eyed grass is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sisyrinchium Bellum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can sometimes be affected by spider mites, aphids, and thrips. If you notice any of these pests, you can control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant has good air circulation and is not overwatered.
Habitat
Sisyrinchium Bellum is native to the western United States and Canada, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and forests. It prefers moist soils and can often be found growing near streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sisyrinchium Bellum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Blue-eyed grass can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.Q: Can Sisyrinchium Bellum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Blue-eyed grass can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.Q: Does Sisyrinchium Bellum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of Blue-eyed grass attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: How often should Sisyrinchium Bellum be fertilized?
A: Blue-eyed grass only needs to be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the Sisyrinchium genus:
- Sisyrinchium angustifolium
- Sisyrinchium bellum
- Sisyrinchium irio
- Sisyrinchium montanum
- Sisyrinchium mucronatum
References
- “Sisyrinchium bellum,” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, accessed May 14, 2021, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SIBE.
- “Sisyrinchium bellum,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed May 14, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f631.
- “Blue-eyed Grass,” Gardenia.net, accessed May 14, 2021, https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/sisyrinchium-bellum-blue-eyed-grass.
