White-eyed grass

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White-eyed grass flower

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass flowers

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

White-eyed grass

Blue flower of white-eyed grass

Morphology

Stem

Tufted, erect, flat, slender, leafless, unbranched, waxy, with 2 edges or narrow ridges called "wings".

Leaves

Basal, narrow, grass-like, 3 to 10 inches long, less than 1/10 inch wide, pale green, glabrous, waxy, tapered to sharp points.

Inflorescence

Umbel-like clusters of flowers on thread-like stalks, terminal; sheathed at base by 2 bracts, erect, overlapping, green to dull pinkish purple, outer bract 1 to 2 inches long, inner bract somewhat shorter; tips pointed.

Flower

Wheel-shaped, star-like, white to pale blue, centers yellow; perianth segments 6, less than 1/2 inch long; tips with short, awn-like points; stamens 3, united, anthers orange.

Fruit

Capsules, spherical, less than 1/5 inch across, 3-chambered, green to brown; seeds many, smooth or slightly pitted, black.

Ecology

Habitat

Upland prairies and infrequently open woods.

Distribution

East 1/2 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

Some Native American tribes treated stomachaches and hay fever symptoms with a tea made by boiling white-eyed grass.

Additional Notes