Plant Data Sheet

Var. Macounii

Species: Idaho blue-eye grass (Sisyrinchium Idahoense var. Macounii)

Range: Washington to California and east to Idaho. There are four varieties of this species (all four native to Washington and other states), but the var. macounii is the only one found in Washington. (3, 4)

Climate, elevation: Near sea elevation to mid-elevations to the mountains. USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2° C (-35° F) (1,2)

Local occurrence: Whatcom, Okanogan, Stevens, Pend Orelle, San Juan, Skagit, Island, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams, Whitman, Spokane, King, Pierce, Grays Harbor, Clark, Skamamia, Klickitat, Yakima, Kittitas, San Juan, and Pacific counties (1)

Habitat preferences: Wetland and Marshes (4,1)

Plant strategy type/successional stage: Perenial (3)

Associated species: It is an Iris relative. Family-iradaceae. Syn. S. Bellum, S. Macounii, S. Segetum (3)

May be collected as: Clump by division or seed. After harvest regrowth rate is slow. (3, 5)

Collection restrictions or guidelines: Seed period is spring-summer. Abundance of seed medium. (5)

Seed germination: Does not required stratification, but stratify if sowing indoors. (5, 2)

Seed life : Seed vigor is moderate. (5)

Recommended seed storage conditions: N/A

Propagation recommendations: Sow seeds in spring or fall, will self-seeded freely. Can divide plants in spring (3)

Soil or medium requirements: Moist or marsh-like soil. Soil ph should be between 6.4-8.2. Drought tolerant: low. (3, 5)

Installation form (form, potential for successful outcomes, cost): N/A

Recommended planting density: Spacing between 9-12 in. (2)

Care requirements after installed: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater (2)

Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan: The growth rate is moderate. Mature plant can reach a height of 5 inches and a width of 6 inches. Flowering period in summer. It needs full sun.(3)

Sources cited

1. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. WTU Image collection. Cited May 5, 2006. Available at http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php?Genus=Sisyrinchium&Species=idahoense&Comp=Overview

2. Dave’s Garden. Cited May 6, 2006. Available at http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/71222/

3. Rainy Side Gardens in the Pacific North West. Plant Gallery and growing guide. Native plants (internet). Cited May 5, 2006. Available at http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/nativeplants/Sisyrinchium_idahoense.html

4. USDA plants. Plant Data base. Cited May 5, 2006. Available at http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SIID

5. USDA. Natural Resource Conservation Service. Plant profile. Cited May 6, 2006. Available at

http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=SIID

Data compiled by

Mercedes Mijares

May 6, 2006