Sisyrinchium californicum
golden-eyed grass
A semi-evergreen perennial with sword-shaped, grey-green leaves to 15cm long. In summer, broadly winged stems to 60cm tall bear a succession of star-shaped, brown-veined, bright yellow flowers. A short-lived plant but it self-seeds freely. Suitable for a bog garden or pond margin
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Sisyrinchium can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials forming a clump of narrowly sword-shaped leaves with erect stems carrying solitary or clustered, star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in boggy conditions, or in an aquatic planting basket on a pond shelf, using loam or specialist aquatic potting soil. May have the potential to become a nuisance as seeds prolifically
Propagation
Propagate by division or seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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