Northwest Native Iris
Of the fifteen or so Iris that are native to the whole of the west coast, seven are at home here in Oregon. Most grow in colorful drifts in primarily open wooded areas at low elevations west of the Cascades.
Plant care & info
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Common name: Iris
Several native species of Iris found throughout our region, both sides of the Cascades, at various elevations.
The native Iris has the classic grassy, strap-like leaves, with delicate flowers rising above, ranging in colors from white to yellow to purple to reddish, and combinations of one or more of these colors. Different species that grow together in the same habitat often cross-pollinate of their own accord as well, so there is a wide variation of color combinations within this palate!
Sun to partial shade, moisture levels vary depending on species and location. All prefer well-drained soil.
Slugs are fond of the foliage of some native iris, but generally problem free.
The flowers, rising gracefully above the foliage on slender stems, wear colors ranging from deep bluish purple to lavender to yellow to white (or varying combinations of these), generally with dark purple veining. Iris freely cross-pollinates in areas where two or more species grow adjacent to each other and naturally-occurring hybrids occur.
Explore More Native Iris
Siskiyou Iris
Iris Bracteata: Siskiyou Iris
Native to southern Oregon to Del Norte County, California, the Siskiyou Iris can often be found in open Pine woods, making it tolerant of partial sun and drier conditions. Flowers are cream to golden yellow with dark purple-red veining.
Yellow Leaf Iris
Iris Chrysophylla: Yellow Leaf Iris
Found in southern Oregon into northern California and can grow in more sun with moderate water. Flowers are pale yellow to white, with distinctive dark purple veining.
Douglas' Iris
Iris Couglasiana: Douglas’ Iris
Douglas is our only evergreen native iris, and it can be found along the coast from southern Oregon to central California. This lovely Iris can tolerate sun or shade and somewhat drier conditions than its brethren. Flower color ranges from light blue-violet to dark purple, but it will sometimes be white as well.
Golden Iris
Iris Innominata: Golden Iris
Found in open meadows and pine/fir forests at higher elevations in the Siskiyous of southwestern Oregon, our native Golden Iris requires good drainage and produces yellow flowers with purple veining or hints of lavender.
Western Blue Flag
Iris Missouriensis: Western Blue Flag
Found in higher elevations east of the Cascades, Western Blue Flag covers large areas of sub-alpine and alpine meadows where shallow ground water is plentiful. Flowers are typically a beautiful blend of sky blue and white.
Clackamas Iris
Iris Tenuis: Clackamas Iris
The only example of a “crested” Iris in the western US, Iris tenuis grows sporadically along the Clackamas and Molalla rivers in western Oregon, and in patches near Mt. Hood. This dwarf Iris blooms light blue to white, with light purple veins and yellow ridges on the sepals.
Oregon Iris
Iris Tenax: Oregon Iris
Our most common Iris, Oregon Iris, is widespread west of the Cascades in open wooded areas and hillsides. Flower color can range from blue to purple, though occasionally can be yellow to white. Tough leaf fibers can be used to make rope.
Pacific Coast Iris Hybrids
Pacific Coast Iris Hybrids
In the wild, many of the native Iris species growing in the same area will cross-pollinate and naturally hybridize. Some of these combinations result in beautiful color variations and combinations. Named selections of Pacific Coast Hybrids have been chosen and propagated for predictable color.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
