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White Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium albidum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Sisyrinchium albidum is a native grass-like wildflower that blooms white in late spring across eastern and central North America. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts bees and butterflies in May and June.

White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium albidum)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

White blue-eyed grass is a delicate native perennial that forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces small white flowers with yellow centers in late spring and early summer, creating a charming ground-level display.

Growing White Blue-eyed Grass

Grow White 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

White 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 flowers attract native bees and small butterflies during its May through June bloom period. Its compact size makes it particularly valuable for supporting smaller pollinators in urban settings.

Common questions

When does White Blue-eyed Grass bloom?
Sisyrinchium albidum typically blooms in May and June, producing small white flowers despite its common name suggesting blue blooms.
What pollinators visit White Blue-eyed Grass?
This native wildflower attracts bees and butterflies during its blooming period in late spring.
Where is Sisyrinchium albidum native?
White Blue-eyed Grass is native to 22 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin.
What growing conditions does White Blue-eyed Grass prefer?
This species thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and native plant landscapes.
Is White Blue-eyed Grass HOA-friendly?
White Blue-eyed Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow White 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