Alternate name: Pointed Blue-eyed Grass, Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass

Family: Iridaceae, Iris view all from this family

Description Several delicate, blue or deep blue-violet flowers with yellow centers in 2 broad bracts top a flat stem, generally only 1 flower at a time in bloom; stems taller than the clusters of narrow, sword-shaped leaves near base.
Flowers: 1/2-1 1/2" (1-3.8 cm) wide; 6 petal-like segments, each with a fine point on the otherwise blunt or notched tip.
Leaves: 2-20" (5-50 cm) long, 1/8-1/4" (3-6 mm) wide; basal, linear, and grass-like, may be shorter or longer than the floral stalk.
Height: 4-20" (10-50 cm).

Flower April-September.

Habitat Moist places (at least early in the season), generally in open places such as meadows, from lowlands and shores well into the mountains.

Range Throughout Canada and United States, except Prairie Provinces and northern Plains states.

Discussion Although the plant is small and has grass-like leaves, the flowers have all the features of the Iris family. The various species are all much alike and separation is based on such characteristics as branching pattern and leaf length. Common Blue-eyed Grass (S. montanum) is also a widespread species, with slightly wider leaves, over 1/4" (6 mm), and unbranched stalks.