Rocky Mountain Iris
Iris missouriensis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- Iris missouriensis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 2-3 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- Purple
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open meadows and grasslands
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Fresh seeds should be planted immediately after harvest. If not possible, seeds require extended cold, moist stratification. Some seeds may also benefit from a 5 month outdoor cold, moist stratification or an artificial cold, moist stratification for 120 days at 2C.
Establishment: Germination rates and times can vary greatly depending on storage and stratification methods. Germination may also be affected by climatic conditions in the year of seed collection. Germination ceases when temperatures are higher than 21C during the day.
Source: npn.rngr.net