Prairie Blue-Eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium campestre
(Sisyrinchium campestre) Bloom Time: Summer (May – July) Location: prefers sun and is found in prairies, meadows, along roadsides (general). Southeast of Best Woods, Postage Stamp Prairie, Wright Savanna (Arb). Family: Iris (Iridaceae) Physical Description: Flowers are half an inch across, pale blue (sometimes white), with six petals displaying a needlelike protrusion at their tip. Leaves look like blades of grass. Grows to a height of 4 – 16 inches. Quick Facts: Wild populations of this plant tend to grow in tight clusters, until moved by disturbance. It can be quite difficult to differentiate between Sisyrinchium speices, the most defining characteristics of this particular branch being its pale flowers and preference for dry sandy habitats. It is an attractive plant for many pollinators.