YELLOW STARGRASS
File Size: 56 KB
 
Hypoxis hirsuta   (L. ) Coville
Reno County, Kansas
Perennial
Height: 2-12 inches
Family: Liliaceae - Lily Family
Flowering Period:   May, June, July
Also Called: Golden star-grass.
Stems: Flowering stems from solid bulb, slender, ascending to spreading, usually shorter than leaves, hairy.
Leaves: Basal, grass-like; blades 3-6, linear, 2 to 12 inches long, to 1/4 inch wide, long-hairy.
Inflorescences: Umbel, 2-14 flowered, ascending to spreading.
Flowers: Golden yellow, 1/2 to 1 inch wide; perianth segments 6, stiffly spreading, partially united, each 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, 1/10 to 1/4 inch wide; outer surface greenish, pubescent; inner surface golden yellow; stamens 6, erect.
Fruits: Capsule, small, oval, somewhat hairy; seeds several, rough, black.
Habitat: Moist to dry prairies and occasionally open deciduous woods; often in soils with high lime content.
Distribution: East 1/2 of Kansas.
Origin: Native
Uses: Native Americans used a tea made from stargrass as a heart medicine. Preparations made from the bulb-like root have been used to treat ulcers.
Comments: The common name refers to the star-like flowers and grass-like leaves. Usually only one or two flowers open at a time.
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