Blue-Eyed Grass
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 545.
Names: Blue-Eyed Grass (English); Herbe aux yeux bleu (French); Sisyrinchium montanum (Latin)
Characteristics: Tall, thin perennial with extremely long, thin leaves. Blue-violet flowers with yellow centers give them their common name.
Habitat and Origin: Moist mountains and meadows in northwest Canada, especially southwestern Yukon.
Optimal Growing Conditions: Sun, dry to moist soil.
Edible Portions: None
Aboriginal Peoples Uses: Roots can be used to make tea to treat diarrhea. Entire plant can also be used to make tea to cure stomach ailments and rid the body of intestinal worms. Teas used to treat menstrual disorders, and have also been used as laxatives and birth control.