Lane Greer
Family
Iridaceae
Botanical Name
Olsynium douglasii
Plant Common Name
Douglas Blue-eyed-grass
General Description
This tough native bulb has elegant rich purple flowers rarely seen in the western terrains it inhabits. A member of the iris family, Douglas blue-eyed-grass is the only North American species in the genus. It exists in grasslands throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia and prefers the sloping ground of coastal and foothill areas above rivers where conditions are wet in spring but dry by summer.
The tidy plant has upright clumps of fine textured linear leaves that appear grassy--quite similar to that of common blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium). In the spring upright stems appear topped with one to four nodding bell-shaped blossoms in shades of purple and pink. As the blooms age they open wide to reveal the bright golden stamens. The plants are borne from small bulbs, which can be easily dug and divided.
Grow in well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Plants thrive in inland northwestern gardens. The exquisite blossoms offer bright color to small scale jewel box planting compositions and are perfect for small naturalistic urban meadows composed of diminutive grasses and perennials.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Container, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
