Medicinal Monday... Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium angustifolium or Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass is one of the prettiest grasses that looks delicate but is a hardy perennial. The first time we really notice this grass is when it begins to emerge in the spring. Native American communities found many uses for this plant that grows just about anywhere in eastern North America from Florida to Canada.

About Narrow Leaf Blue-Eyed Grass

Many types of this plant grow across the United States, what differentiates them is their leaf length and branching pattern. It is native to meadows and open woodlands and grows from rhizomes.  Star-shaped bright lavender-blue flowers have three petals that emerge from bracks midway at the stalk or at the tip of a flower stalk. A thin pistol emerges from the yellow center of the stamens in the center of this delicate flower. The ovary which is has fine hairs is at the base of the flower and grows above a peduncle that grows out of the bracts. After blooming the petals wither and the fertilized ovary becomes a seed capsule that changes from green to bright yellow to a dark brown as it matures. The grass leaves are narrow, flat, sword-shaped, and smooth and grow in clumps from the base of the plant. The grass stalks grow similarly to the iris.  

photo credit Giles Ayotte

Medicinal Uses

The most common traditional Native American use of this plant was to make tea from the roots to treat diarrhea. Stomachaches were relieved by making tea from the entire plant. Specifically, the Cherokee ate this plant to regulate their bowels and gave an infusion of the root to children with gastrointestinal problems. The Iroquois made a decoction of the roots and stalks and took this mixture to relieve constipation. The Mahuna took an infusion of this plant to expel worms.

photo credit John D. Byrd

Did You Know...

Narrow Leaf Blue-eyed grass is not grass at all, it is actually a type of Iris.

The name Sisyrinchium was derived from the Greek sys 'pig' and rynchos 'snout', referring to the roots being consumed by swine.

The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bumblebees, sweat bees, and flies. Birds eat the seeds.

Sidyrinchium is a genus with about 80 species native to the Americas.

Blue-eyes Grass is a symbol of trust and loyalty in folklore.