Western blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), also known as Californian blue-eyed grass, is a foot-tall perennial herb that grows throughout California.
This plant’s flowers are small and purplish-blue with six petals and a yellow center. In this area, there is also a rarer white color morph (pictured below next to the usual blue bloom). Though they are called blue-eyed grasses, the plants in the genus Sisyrinchium are actually members of the iris family, which is why they are often found growing in perpetually moist soils.
Blooming period: March to July, peaking in April
Habitat: These flowers can usually be found in open spaces where there is some moisture, particularly in grassy areas. It can also occasionally be found on open, sunlit forest floors.
Where to find: Look for these blooms in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve and other areas that contain their preferred habitat types.
