Xyris tennesseensis is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Xyridaceae known by the common name Tennessee yellow-eyed grass.

Removal of stands of trees causes the soil to dry, making it inhospitable for this wetland endemic plant.

The plant requires open, sunny habitat for germination and growth, and it is threatened by the encroachment of large and woody vegetation in some areas.

Proper land management includes the clearing of brush and the removal of exotic plant species such as Nepal grass (Microstegium vimineum).

[3][6] Flowers of Xyris tennesseensis are visited by the primitively social sweat bee, Lasioglossum zephyrum.