ACADIA NATURE NOTES

FLOWERS BLUE

BLUE EYED GRASS

May - July

Sisyrinchium angustifolium - Iris family.

A common resident of sunny fields and meadows.

Root	Fibrous.
Stem	Two-edged, grass-like, slender, rigid, erect, rarely forking, about three to ten inches high.
Leaves	Usually all fastened at the base of the stem, rigid, rough-edged, shorter than the stem and grass-like, 3" to 10" long.
Flowers	Bluish to light violet, with yellow center, about one-half inch across. Six petals, 3-celled ovary.
Fruit	A capsule, large brown seeds.

Named for its obvious resemblance to grass.

The blossom opens to the sun for one day, then closes, never to open again.

FLOWERS BLUE

COMMON BLUE VIOLET

Late May - June

Viola cucullata - Violet family

Low grounds, fields and marshes.

Rootstock	Short and thick.
Leaves	Smooth, deep green, roundish, heart-shaped, wavy-edged, the sides rolled inward when young, blade 2" to 4" long, 1" to 2-1/2" wide.
Flowers	Deep or pale violet-blue, sometimes striped blue and white; five sepals, extending into ears at base, five unequal petals, lower one spurred at base, lateral ones bearded. One petal, stigma bent.

Pollinated by bumblebees or self-fertilized.

It produces close to the ground on short stems, often hidden under the leaves, the merest apologies for flowers -- no petals, no nectar, half-closed. They look like flowers that have not developed, but within each are stamens and ovules. The home pollen fertilizes the pistil and soon the wretched little flower is changed to a plump, healthy capsule full of seeds. Those curious blossoms are produced throughout the entire summer.