Mountain Blue-Eyed Grass: A Rare Pacific Northwest Treasure for Wetland Gardens
If you’re drawn to rare native plants and have the perfect wetland spot in your garden, mountain blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium sarmentosum) might just capture your heart. But before you start planning where to plant it, there are some important things you need to know about this special Pacific Northwest native.
What Makes Mountain Blue-Eyed Grass Special?
Mountain blue-eyed grass is a charming perennial forb that belongs to the iris family, despite its grass-like appearance. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not actually a grass at all! This native wildflower produces delicate flowers and maintains its herbaceous growth habit year after year, lacking the woody stems of shrubs and trees.
What makes this plant truly special is its rarity. Mountain blue-eyed grass has a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s considered imperiled due to extreme rarity and vulnerability to extinction. With typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and fewer than 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining, this species is a genuine botanical treasure.
Where You’ll Find This Rare Beauty
Mountain blue-eyed grass is native to the Pacific Northwest, specifically found in Oregon and Washington. Its limited geographic range contributes to its conservation concerns and makes it a truly regional specialty for native plant enthusiasts in these states.
The Conservation Consideration
Here’s where we need to have a serious conversation. While mountain blue-eyed grass would make a wonderful addition to the right garden, its imperiled status means we need to approach it with extra care and responsibility. If you’re considering adding this rare native to your landscape, you must ensure any plant material comes from reputable native plant nurseries that use responsibly collected seeds or ethically propagated stock – never collect from wild populations.
Perfect Conditions for Mountain Blue-Eyed Grass
This specialized native has very specific habitat requirements that make it both challenging and rewarding to grow:
- Wetland lover: Mountain blue-eyed grass is classified as an obligate wetland species, meaning it almost always occurs in wetland conditions
- Moisture requirements: Consistently moist to wet soils are essential for success
- Regional adaptation: Best suited for Pacific Northwest conditions in Oregon and Washington
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Mountain blue-eyed grass could be perfect for you if:
- You have a wetland garden, bog garden, or consistently moist area
- You’re located in Oregon or Washington
- You’re passionate about rare native plant conservation
- You can source plants responsibly from reputable nurseries
- You want to support local biodiversity with truly regional natives
However, this might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant or if you don’t have the consistently wet conditions it requires.
Growing Tips for Success
Due to its rarity and specialized requirements, growing mountain blue-eyed grass requires dedication:
- Soil conditions: Provide consistently moist to wet, well-draining soil
- Location: Choose spots that mimic natural wetland conditions
- Patience: As with many rare natives, establishment may take time
- Observation: Monitor closely and adjust care as needed
Supporting Conservation Through Gardening
By choosing to grow mountain blue-eyed grass responsibly, you’re participating in plant conservation efforts. Every garden that successfully grows rare natives like this one serves as a genetic repository and helps ensure these precious species survive for future generations.
If you can’t find mountain blue-eyed grass from responsible sources, consider other native Sisyrinchium species that are more readily available, or explore other Pacific Northwest wetland natives that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
Remember, the best native gardening practices always balance our desire for unique plants with our responsibility to protect wild populations. Mountain blue-eyed grass represents both the beauty and the fragility of our native plant heritage – treat it with the respect it deserves.
