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Needletip Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium mucronatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Needletip Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium mucronatum)
Photo: Nathaniel Lord Britton (1859-1934) and Addison Brown (1830-1913) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Needletip Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium mucronatum) 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

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CT, DE, GA, IL and 20 more states

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

Find rebates in your area

Needletip blue-eyed grass forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage topped with small blue flowers in spring. This compact native perennial stays tidy and well-behaved in sunny garden beds. Despite its name, it's actually in the iris family rather than being a true grass.

In an HOA neighborhood

Needletip 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 spring flowers attract native bees and small butterflies during the peak blooming season from April through June.

Common questions

How much sun does Needletip Blue-eyed Grass need?
Needletip Blue-eyed Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Needletip Blue-eyed Grass bloom?
Needletip Blue-eyed Grass blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Needletip Blue-eyed Grass native?
Needletip Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium mucronatum) is native to CT, DE, GA, IL and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Needletip Blue-eyed Grass attract?
Needletip Blue-eyed Grass draws bees and butterflies.
Is Needletip Blue-eyed Grass HOA-friendly?
Needletip Blue-eyed Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Needletip Blue-eyed Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz