Freshwater Wetlands/ Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

COMMON NAME: Eastern Blue-Eyed Grass                 

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sisyrinchium atlanticum

FAMILY: Iridaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native     

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 6 to 20 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Mid May to Mid June

FRUITING TIME: Early June to July

DISTRIBUTION: Coastal plain and Pine Barrens in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stems thin, flattened and spreading, light green ~ Leaves linear, less than ˝ inch long, mostly basal ~ Flowers  delicate, in umbrella like clusters blue to violet or pink, fugacious (falling early) ~ Seeds black, globular and pitted

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family Iridaceae commonly called the Iris Family consists of 92 genera and 1,800 species of herbs and a few half-shrubs.  Most abundant in Africa, Iris was the rainbow goddess, the messenger of the gods, the rainbow being her bridge from heaven to earth.  The flower is said to be named after her for its rainbow of colors.  The iris was the origin of the scepter, the symbol of power and majesty.  The Egyptians placed the Iris on the brow of the Sphinx, the three “falls” (drooping petals) represented faith, wisdom and valor. The common name, Eastern Blue-Eyed Grass, is for the color of the flowers.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.