Blue-Eyed Grass: The Mystery of Sisyrinchium implicatum
If you’ve stumbled upon the name Sisyrinchium implicatum while researching blue-eyed grass species, you’re not alone in wondering about this particular plant. While the genus Sisyrinchium is beloved by native plant enthusiasts for its charming grass-like appearance and delicate blue flowers, this specific species name presents something of a botanical puzzle.
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Sisyrinchium implicatum goes by the common name blue-eyed grass, which it shares with many other species in this diverse genus. However, unlike its well-documented cousins, this particular species epithet doesn’t appear in major botanical databases or field guides, making it difficult to provide specific growing advice or distribution information.
The Blue-Eyed Grass Family
While we can’t speak specifically about S. implicatum, the Sisyrinchium genus as a whole offers gardeners some delightful options. These aren’t actually grasses at all—they’re members of the iris family! They typically feature:
- Narrow, grass-like leaves that form neat clumps
- Small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, or yellow
- Compact growth habits perfect for rock gardens and naturalized areas
- Easy-care nature once established
A Word of Caution for Plant Hunters
If you’re specifically seeking Sisyrinchium implicatum, we’d recommend double-checking your source. You might actually be looking for one of these well-established species instead:
- Sisyrinchium angustifolium (narrow-leaved blue-eyed grass)
- Sisyrinchium bellum (western blue-eyed grass)
- Sisyrinchium montanum (strict blue-eyed grass)
Growing Blue-Eyed Grass Successfully
While we can’t provide specific care instructions for S. implicatum, most blue-eyed grass species share similar preferences:
- Well-draining soil (they dislike soggy conditions)
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moderate water during establishment, then drought tolerance
- Little to no fertilizer needed
The Bottom Line
If you’re drawn to the idea of adding blue-eyed grass to your garden, we’d suggest starting with a verified species native to your area. Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify which Sisyrinchium species are native to your region and provide reliable growing information.
Sometimes the best garden discoveries happen when we embrace a little botanical detective work—and end up with an even better plant than we originally planned!
