Oregon Iris

Iris tenax

a clump of irises with grass-like foliage and purple iris flowers

Plant Description

Oregon iris is a rhizomatous perennial native to open grasslands, rocky slopes, and forest edges of the Pacific Northwest. It is recognized for its stiff, narrow, sword-like leaves and striking blue to violet to yellow flowers that bloom in late spring, often with darker veins and yellow or white nectar guides. This species is highly drought-tolerant and adapted to well-drained soils, making it resilient in dry, sunny habitats, and an excellent addition to gardens where it can form a groundcover. Ecologically, Oregon iris provides early-season nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators and contributes to the structural diversity and aesthetic value of native grassland and woodland understories. The tough leaves were traditionally used for rope-making.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb
Habitats	Abandoned fields Balds Bluffs Fencelines Forest edges Forest openings Gardens Grasslands Gravel pits Green roof Little Habitats Meadows Oak savannas Oak woodlands Parklands Pastures Prairies Residential yards Trailsides Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	All soil types Dry to moist Well drained
Special Uses	Attracts hummingbirds Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Blooms April Blooms June Blooms May Deciduous Deer resistant Drought tolerant Erosion control Flowering Flowers blue/purple Flowers purple Good for rock garden Good for shady woodland garden Good groundcover Herbaceous Ornamental Perennial Produces nectar Produces pollen Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	4-24"