Strict Blue-eyed Grass

Strict Blue-eyed Grass
Strict Blue-eyed Grass. Sisyrinchium-montanum.
Iridaceae, the iris family.

Description:
Plant: Grass-like plant, 6"-18" high, with small, blue to violet, upward-facing flowers near the ends of long, unbranched, winged stalks. Perennial.
Flowers: Blue to violet, 1/2"-3/4" across, with six spike-tipped petals (actually tepals, combined petals and sepals) and a yellow center. Generally 2-6 flowers form a [[cyme]] near the end of a long, unbranched, winged, stalk, about 1/8" wide. Usually only one flower is open at once. A pointed bract extends somewhat above the flowers.
Leaves: Basal, linear, grasslike, 6"-18" long, 1/8" wide, forming a clump that looks very much like a clump of grass in the absence of the flowers.
Fruit: An ovoid capsule.
Blooming: Late April-June
Habitat: Moist meadows, banks of streams and ponds.

Comments: Also referred to as Common Blue-eyed Grass. One of several native blue-eyed grasses, very similar in general appearance. Distinguishing characteristics include whether or not the stems are winged, and whether they are branching.

Where to find it: Mostly along the shore of the pond on the south side, and at the far west end. I have also seen a few in the upper meadow area.