Golden Eyed Grass
sisyrinchium californicum
Also known as: ["California Blue Eyed Grass","Golden Blue Eyed Grass"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, known for its bright yellow flowers and grass-like foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Sisyrinchium |
| Botanical Name: | Sisyrinchium californicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container with protection from intense sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in early spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sun or filtered light; avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent leaf burn; protect from intense direct sun; ideal for shaded garden spots or north-facing windows.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; filter intense light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; adjust based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers not to exceed 80°F (27°C) for extended periods.
Protect from frost; shield from intense heat; maintain moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid burning roots; stop feeding in dormant periods; water before fertilizing to prevent shock.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes carefully.
- Plant cuttings in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins or late summer after flowering.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Rhizome division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, mature plant in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or shears, pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Divide rhizomes when overcrowded; use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain humidity for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Sharp scissors or small pruning shears, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Remove dead foliage; sterilize tools; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf discoloration; prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures may damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become leggy or sparse due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant season.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Sisyrinchium californicum due to the presence of saponins. The plant is not highly toxic, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe entire plant contains saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if consumed in large amounts. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should be discouraged.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSisyrinchium californicum contains small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Sisyrinchium californicum require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, but performs best with some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does this plant spread aggressively?
A: It spreads moderately through rhizomes but is not considered invasive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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