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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Iris macrosiphon (Bowltube iris)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Iris macrosiphon Torr.

Bowltube iris, Ground Iris

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

USDA Symbol: IRMA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

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

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: California in northern Coast Ranges and foothills of Sierra Nevada.
Native Habitat: Grassy or open, wooded slopes.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

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 either on display or available from the following:

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

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

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: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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