WSU Clark County Extension
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Oregon Iris

Scientific name: Iris tenax
Taxonomy
Family:Iridaceae
Type:Groundcovers Herbaceus
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:7 to 10
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Wet
Plant Characteristics
Height:1 ft
Width:1 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Best known for its attractive blue flowers in the spring, Oregon Iris is a native to the Northwest marsh. Also known as Tough-leaf Iris

  Morphology:
Plants form dense, compact clumps with narrow, light green leaves growing taller than the numerous flower stalks. They attain a height of 15” and a width of 12”.

Flowers emerge in May and June and range in color from purple and lavender; less commonly to white, cream and yellow. The narrow spathes of the flowers separate, leaving the ovary exposed.

  Adaptation:
Oregon Iris is commonly found in most of western Oregon and southern Washington west of the Cascade Mountains. This species prefers moist to wet sites. Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Also take care in handling the foliage or flowers as this may cause a skin irritation or allergic reaction. Rhizomes (thickened roots) and rootstocks, fresh or dry, of all Iris species and cultivars are poisonous if ingested.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234