Sisyrinchium striatum
pale yellow-eyed grass
Overview
Sisyrinchium striatum is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial of the iris family, growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall in fans of stiff, grey-green, sword-shaped leaves 0.4–0.8 inch (1–2 cm) wide. The flat fans resemble a small iris. In early to midsummer it sends up rigid flowering stems carrying tight clusters of pale creamy-yellow, six-petaled flowers about 0.6–0.8 inch (15–20 mm) across, each petal marked with slender purple-brown veining and opening in succession up the stem. The plant grows in open, sunny sites on moist but well-drained soil, native to grassland and roadside ground in Chile and Argentina. It self-seeds readily and can spread through a border, while individual fans tend to die after flowering and are replaced by offsets. It is intolerant of waterlogging and deep shade, and the older leaves blacken at the tips in cold, wet winters. Foliage stays evergreen in mild climates but can be damaged below about 15°F (-9°C).
Native Range
Sisyrinchium striatum is native to Chile and Argentina, where it grows in open grassland, scrub, and disturbed roadside ground. It has naturalized in parts of Europe and other mild-temperate regions.Suggested Uses
Used in sunny borders, gravel gardens, and coastal plantings, and along path edges where its upright fans suit a structured look. Suited to Mediterranean-style and dry-garden plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June to July, with flowers opening in clusters up the stem over several weeks. Each flower lasts a day, opening in morning sun and closing later. Flowering fans usually die afterward and are replaced by surrounding offsets.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on moist but well-drained soil of moderate fertility. It tolerates a range of soils but not waterlogging or heavy shade, where it grows weakly and flowers little. Established plants withstand short dry spells. Self-sown seedlings appear freely and can be thinned or moved while small. Older fans are cut out after they die to keep the clump tidy. It is hardy in zones 7 to 9 and stays evergreen in mild winters.Pruning
Dead flowering fans are removed at the base after blooming, as they do not regreen. Spent flower stems can be cut to limit self-seeding. Tatty leaves are trimmed away in spring.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing