Yellow stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta) is not really a grass but is actually in the Lily family. What is stargrass? Envision slender green leaves and starry bright yellow flowers. The plant grows from corms and is a common sight in the continental United States. The plant is easily misidentified as a grass until the yellow stargrass flowers arrive. Each clump of corms naturalizes in its site, growing stargrass wildflowers in profusion over the years.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Hypoxis hirsuta, commonly known as common goldstar, common star-grass, eastern yellow stargrass, yellow star grass, or yellow star flower, is a perennial ornamental plant in the family Hypoxidaceae. Sometimes this plant is placed in the family Amaryllidaceae or the family Liliaceae.
H .hirsuta is native to the United States from New Mexico to the west, Texas to the south, the Canadian border to the north, and Maine to the east. In Canada, it is native to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. It is also native in northeastern Mexico, south to Tamualipas. The plant grows in moist to slightly dry habitats such as prairies, savannas, open woodlands, fens, glades, abandoned fields, and lawns.
The genus name Hypoxis is from the Greek words hypo and oxys, meaning “sharp below”, referring to how the seedpods have a tapered base. The specific epithet hirsuta is Latin for “hairy”.
H. hirsuta has grass-like, basal leaves that are up to 30 cm (12 in) long and one or more shorter stems, growing up from the rosette of leaves to 20 cm (8 in) long. The leaves have smooth margins and are elliptical in shape. Both the leaves and the stem have scattered white hairs.
Flowers appear from April to May at the end of each stem in a group, or umbel, of 2 to 6, occasionally only 1. The flowers are 5–13 mm (0.2–0.5 in) long, with 3 yellow petals and 3 yellow sepals spreading outwards. The flowers will open in the morning but typically wilt in the hot afternoon sun. When not flowering, the plant can resemble grass, but it is not grass.
The flowers attract small bees that feed on its pollen.

II. How to Grow and Care
Yellow Star Grass is generally considered an easy-care plant, thriving in well-drained soil with moderate moisture and a good amount of sunlight. Special care points include avoiding waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot, and providing a winter mulch in colder climates to protect the bulb-like corms. Regular division every few years will maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Sunlight
Yellow Star Grass thrives best in conditions of full sun, where the intensity and duration of sunlight promote optimal growth and blooming potential. Although yellow Star Grass tolerates partial sun, it may not flower as profusely or achieve ideal vitality under reduced light. Adapted to direct sunlight, yellow Star Grass may exhibit changes in leaf orientation to maximize light absorption. Suitable planting positions for yellow Star Grass include open areas or sites with minimal shade outdoors to ensure substantial exposure to natural light. Suboptimal lighting can lead to leggy growth and decreased health resilience.
Watering
Thriving in its native grasslands, yellow Star Grass is accustomed to the cyclical hydration patterns of its environment, exhibiting a moderate drought tolerance. It maintains a balance between moisture retention and drainage, preferring consistent but not excessive watering—aligning with a regimen of watering every week. As an herbaceous perennial, yellow Star Grass favors well-draining soil that supports its seasonal growth cycles, particularly during active periods when water aids in nutrient uptake and bloom vitality.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing yellow Star Grass supports robust growth and enhances its vibrant yellow blooms. Utilize balanced nutrition fertilizers, with equal NPK ratios, every 2-3 months during the growing season for best results. Limit to 1/4 strength to prevent root burn. Waning growth in cooler seasons signals a reduction in fertilization frequency. Always water yellow Star Grass soil before fertilizing to aid nutrient absorption and reduce risk of chemical damage. Consistent but restrained fertilization maintains yellow Star Grass’s vitality and flowering prowess.
Propagation
Yellow Star Grass is a perennial herb prevalent in prairies and woodlands. To propagate yellow Star Grass, gardeners should primarily divide its tubers. Carefully separate the tubers from the parent plant, ensuring each section has a growth point. These can be planted at the same depth they were originally growing, in well-draining soil with sufficient sunlight. With appropriate watering and minimal disturbance, yellow Star Grass will establish and multiply gradually, enhancing the garden’s aesthetic with its distinctive yellow blooms.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant yellow Star Grass is as the soil warms, typically in the stretch from late spring’s finale to early summer’s welcome. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil to give these perennials a fresh start. Gentle handling is key to protect delicate roots.
III. Uses and Benefits
Native Americans used the plant to make a tea that was used to treat heart conditions and the corm was used to treat ulcers. According to The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions, it can be used to treat depression and to enhance mood.