Plant Description
Iris tenax
Oregon Iris is a native iris species that produces similar flowers to commercial varieties. Its flowers are purple or blue; occasionally almost white. There are several invasive iris species, such as yellow flag iris, so Oregon Iris is a great alternative to those species! Another common name for Oregon Iris is Toughleaf Iris.
An Oregon Iris in bloom.
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
| Characteristic | Plant Information |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 1 ft |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Moisture Use | Moderate |
| Drought Tolerance | High after initial establishment |
| Deer Browse | No |
| Wildlife Value | Good for insect pollinators, other beneficial insects, hummingbirds, and other birds and mammals |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 6-9 |
| Bloom Time | March-July |
| Bloom Color | Most commonly purple, sometimes blue, rarely white |
| Habitat Type | Meadows, streambanks, rock gardens |
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
| Classification | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Iris |
| Species | I. tenax |
