Latin Name: Sisyrinchium striatum
Common Name(s): Pale yellow-eyed grass
Family: Iridaceae
Size: up to 2 feet tall, clumping growth habit similar to irises
Life Cycle: Perennial
Distribution: Argentina and Chile in meadows, savanna, and grassland
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
USDA Zone: 5 to 9
Drought Tolerance: Good once established. My clump has survived for more than 15 years with 0 summer irrigation.
Fire Risk: Low provided dead leaves and flower stalks are removed.
Cultivation Notes
A rather pretty and iris-like relative of our native blue- and yellow-eyed grasses. This species prefers good drainage and looks its best with consistent moisture, but is capable of handling our summer droughts with no extra irrigation once well-established. Can be cut back after blooming for the sake of appearances, though I generally recommend leaving dead flower stalks standing to provide nesting habitat for insects.
Ecology
The attractive flowers bloom throughout the summer and are decently attractive to pollinators. I particularly notice beetles and various flies on this flower.
Uses
No uses known, though some others in the genus are used medicinally and as food.
Propagation
Division or seed. This plant readily self-sows in the garden, and volunteers can be easily moved. Seeds are easily collected and can be sown directly in the fall or spring, or started indoors. Germination can be slow, so give the seeds patience, but readily germinate without treatment.