Toughleaf Iris
Iris tenax
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- Iris tenax
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink, Yellow, Purple
Native Range
United States: California, Oregon, Washington
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Fernald cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus flavidus), Fernald cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus flavidus), Nevada bumble bee (Bombus nevadensis), Nevada bumble bee (Bombus nevadensis), Sitka bumble bee (Bombus sitkensis), Sitka bumble bee (Bombus sitkensis)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, rocky slopes and meadows
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Natural stratification or 2 weeks warm followed by 90 days of cool/moist stratification
Establishment: This plant is generally found in Washington, Oregon and California. Despite attempts at stratification, germination rates remain low.
Source: npn.rngr.net