Toxic Plant Connu comme étant toxique - The whole plant is toxic, precautions should be taken to avoid accidental ingestion, especially by children and pets who may be attracted to its grass-like appearance
Image of Sisyrinchium montanum
Source: Donna Bos

Plant Names

image of Plante à fleurs
Sisyrinchium montanum
Strict Blue-eyed-grass
Bermudienne montagnarde

Synonyms

little blue-eyed-grass
mountain blue-eyed-grass
bermudienne
bermudienne commune
bermudienne des montagnes
herbe aux yeux bleus
sisyrinchium des montagnes

Plant Characteristics

Couleur de floraison: Violet Bloom Period: May - Jun
Hauteur max: 0,5 feet
Max Width: 0,8 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun Plus de 6 heures d'ensoleillement par jour
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Vivace des plantes qui reviennent année après année
Gardener Experience:
beginner friendly Suitable for beginner gardeners
does not spread Ne se propage pas de manière incontrôlable
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
container suitable Suitable for container garden
Ecological Benefits: No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
Nous acceptions les semences de cette plante

Faits intéressants

Strict Blue-Eyed Grass, is actually a member of the iris family rather than the grass family. While most iris family members prefer wet lands, Blue-Eyed Grass prefers prairie grasslands. Due to their small size, they are best noticed edging along a path. Since it often grows in specialized habitats, it prefers to grow amongst small plants that are not aggressive or competitive. Its blooms open in the morning and close in the evening, so be sure to observe them early in the day.

Strict Blue-Eyed Gras is a well-behaved, clumping perennial that does not aggressively spread. It is best planted in groups for visual impact. It can go dormant or look less attractive during hot, dry periods. You can divide clumps every few years if they become crowded. It works well in small gardens where larger native plants may overwhelm the space.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Oui

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Sisyrinchium montanum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Taïga des plaines
  • Taïga du Bouclier
  • Plaines boréales
  • Cordillière montagnarde
  • Bouclier boréal
  • Cordillière boréale

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Sisyrinchium montanum

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Sisyrinchium montanum

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Lamium (Dead nettle)
  • Perovskia Atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
  • Lupinus (Non-Native Lupins)
  • Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
  • Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
  • Delphinium (Delphinium)
  • Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
  • Aegopodium podagraria (Goutweed)
  • Alliums (Non-Native Alliums)
  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)
  • Miscanthus (Silvergrass)
  • Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass)
  • Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass)
  • Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
  • Polygonatum odoratum).1 (Solomon's Seal)
  • Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)
  • Iridaceae (Crocus)
  • Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill)
  • Salvia (Non-Native Sage)
  • Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-me-not)
  • Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Couvrir très légèrement
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: 45 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: July
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are brown and crisp and starting to open
    • Seeds are dark and tiny stem attaching to the main stem is brown
    • Seeds easily fall off pod when shaken
    • Little stem connecting the pod to the main stem is brown (not green)
  • Harvesting:
    • Cut stem (including pods), let air dry in paper bag, then shake seeds off after a few days
  • Seed viability test:
    • Pas de test requis avant le don
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/32 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Sécher à l'air dans un sac en papier ou contenant ouvert, pour quelques jours jusqu'à sec
    • Secouer de temps à autre pour prévenir la moisissure
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • Remove non-seed material
  • Harvesting video: Watch here

Toxicity Notes

The whole plant is toxic, precautions should be taken to avoid accidental ingestion, especially by children and pets who may be attracted to its grass-like appearance