Iridaceae

Olsynium douglasii

Grass Widows

Erect clumps of grass-like leaves and round flower stems. Leaves round but not winged, basal to 12 in. Two leaf-like bracts at base of flower, one longer than flower extended well above it, the other shorter. Flowers bright purple-red, occasionally white, usually 2 atop stem. Grows at mid elevations in rocky vernal-wet places that dry hard later in spring. Var. inflatum has exaggerated points on tips of flower petals, and joined base of filaments in center is obviously enlarged. Colors range from magenta to white and all shades of pink.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Early Spring
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 6--12 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Coastal, Shrub-Steppe, Vernal Wet
• Found In: Olympic Np, Siskiyous, Great Basin, East Gorge
• Native: Yes