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Idaho blue-eyed grass

Sisyrinchium idahoense

Last reviewed: October 2026

Idaho blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium idahoense) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw small bees.

Idaho blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium idahoense)
Photo: (c) Daughter Dad, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Idaho blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium idahoense) 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

medium

Size

8"–18" H × 8"–14" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Pollinators

small bees

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Idaho blue-eyed grass.

A tidy, grass-like perennial called Idaho blue-eyed grass, with narrow flat leaves in a neat upright fan and small deep blue flowers with a yellow center held on wiry stems in late spring.

Growing Idaho blue-eyed grass

Grow Idaho blue-eyed grass in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 14 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its small spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for small native bees in wet meadow habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Idaho blue-eyed grass need?
Idaho blue-eyed grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Idaho blue-eyed grass bloom?
Idaho blue-eyed grass blooms in May and June.
Where is Idaho blue-eyed grass native?
Idaho blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium idahoense) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Idaho blue-eyed grass attract?
Idaho blue-eyed grass draws small bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Idaho blue-eyed grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.