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Xyris torta

Previously known as:

  • Xyris bulbosa
  • Xyris flexuosa
  • Xyris indica
  • Xyris torta var macropoda
  • Xyris torta var. occidentalis
Phonetic Spelling
ZY-riss TOR-tuh
Description

Xyris torta is a short-lived perennial that grows from a deeply rooted, chestnut-brown bulb.  The yellow flowers typically bloom one or two at a time, so not very showy.  The small blooms appear at the tip of the stem with many scale-like bracts that spiral around the head.  A single flower will emerge from each bract.  In the center of each flower is 3 erect, fertile, yellow stamens and 3 hairy, sterile stamens.  The bracts will remain, forming a seed head that will expand as the fruit matures.

It can be found growing in wetlands such as bogs, marshes, wet ditches and shores of rivers or lakes.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#riparian#wetlands#pond margins#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#native garden#boggy sites#wildflower
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#riparian#wetlands#pond margins#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#native garden#boggy sites#wildflower
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Xyris
    Species:
    torta
    Family:
    Xyridaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Distribution:
    AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, NM MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is an elliptic, translucent seed.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Cylindric yellow flowers produced from compact brown head on top of wiry leafless stems. Few flowers open at any one time.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    This plant has strongly raised veins. They are narrow, often twisted leaves that look like blades of grass. The base of the leaf may appear red to pinkish.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Buds:
    Smooth/Hairless
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    The flowering stems are erect. There may be single or multiple stems forming at the base. They are ribbed, spirally twisted and swollen. Near the base, it can nearly black.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Near Septic
    Riparian
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil