Native Plants

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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Iris macrosiphon

Iris macrosiphon Torr.

Bowltube Iris, Ground Iris

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

Synonym(s): Iris amabilis, Iris californica

USDA Symbol: IRMA

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Large, deep golden yellow, cream, pale lavender, or deep blue-purple flowers, usually with distinct veins, on short stalks among sword-shaped leaves.

The range in coloration may be partly due to hybridization with other native species, which is common among western irises.

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 10 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: California in northern Coast Ranges and foothills of Sierra Nevada.
Native Habitat: Grassy or open, wooded slopes.

Benefit

Use Other: Fiber in young leaves used for cordage by indigenous peoples.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Iris macrosiphon in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Iris macrosiphon in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Iris macrosiphon

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-04-06
Research By: TWC Staff

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