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.

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.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
- 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 Idaho blue-eyed grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
