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Slender Yelloweyed Grass

Xyris torta

Last reviewed: June 2026

Slender Yelloweyed Grass (Xyris torta)
Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Slender yelloweyed grass is a compact native perennial that forms small clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces small yellow flowers on thin stems from June through September. This wetland species thrives in consistently moist conditions and partial sun.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Yelloweyed Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds
  • Requires consistently wet conditions uncommon in typical landscapes
  • Small size and informal growth make it unsuitable for formal settings

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees and flies for pollination. Seeds may provide food for small birds.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Slender Yelloweyed Grass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.