A native of eastern North America, this "grass" is actually in the Iris family. The narrow, sword-shaped leaves are attractive all year, remaining green until winter, when they fade to tan. Adorable star-shaped, deep violet-blue flowers with yellow centers sparkle from late spring to early summer, attracting many small bees. The flowers close in the afternoon or evening and open again in the morning. The plant prefers full sun and does well in average to moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates poor or dry conditions, but flower production improves when the soil is kept moist during the blooming season. It spreads through rhizomes and self seeding and has no significant diseases or pests. Divide every 2 to 3 years to keep vigorous. Use in cottage, rock, and woodland gardens; meadows; and naturalized areas. Works well in fronts of borders or as edging along paths. Combine with butterfly weed and blazing star.
 
Height: 8-20" tall.
Sun: Full sun to light shade.
Soil: Average to moist, well-drained soil. 
Bloom Time: May-June.
 
Wildlife Value: Attracts a variety of bees, flies, and spring butterflies, including blue azures. Songbirds eat the seeds. Deer resistant.
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