Golden Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium californicum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sisyrinchium californicum is a native Pacific Northwest wildflower that produces bright yellow blooms from April through July. This low-water perennial thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Golden Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium californicum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Golden blue-eyed grass forms compact clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage topped with small yellow flowers from spring through midsummer. This petite perennial stays evergreen and maintains a tidy appearance year-round, making it perfect for borders or small spaces.
Growing Golden Blue-eyed Grass
Grow Golden Blue-eyed Grass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Golden Blue-eyed Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and small butterflies during its extended bloom period. Its compact size makes it valuable for creating pollinator habitat in smaller garden spaces.
Common questions
- When does Golden Blue-eyed Grass bloom?
- Sisyrinchium californicum blooms from April through July, producing small yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Golden Blue-eyed Grass?
- This native plant attracts bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens in the Pacific Northwest.
- Where is Sisyrinchium californicum native?
- Golden Blue-eyed Grass is native to Washington state and other parts of the Pacific Northwest region.
- Is Golden Blue-eyed Grass HOA-friendly?
- Golden Blue-eyed Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Golden Blue-eyed Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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