Sisyrinchium idahoense

Habit: a small clump forming herbaceous perennial. Being part of the iris family, the yellow-green leaves are narrow, flat, and basal. Flowers are showy and dainty, forming at the top of unbranched stems and taller than the foliage. The 6 bluish-purple pointed tepals with dark veination are surrounded by a bright yellow center of stamen. Fruit is an ovoid pod with dark brown seeds. Blooms between April and June.

Ecology: grows in much of the Western United States in wet meadows, open woodlands, and edges of wetlands from sea level to 7200 ft (2200 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade in moist to wet soil.