Species
Iris tenax
Common name Oregon Iris, or Toughleaf Iris
Range
Occurs
predominately on the coasts of
Climate, elevation
Prefers
a coastal climate
Occurs
from 100m – 500m
Local occurrence
Common and widespread in most of western
Habitat preferences
Prairies
and pastures, open oak and coniferous forests
Plant strategy type/successional
stage
Seral:
perennial herb
Associated species
Lonicera ciliosa, Lonicera hispidula, Corylus cornuta, Crataegus douglasii var. suksdorfii, Fragaria chilonesis, Carex obnupta
May be collected as:
Seed,
divisions
Collection restrictions or guidelines
Seeds easily collected from the large
capsules
Seed germination
Seeds germinate with ease
Seed life
Not
available
Recommended seed storage conditions
Stored
seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame
Propagation recommendations
The
plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light
woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Soil or medium requirements
It prefers light
(sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil
Installation form
Seed
- pick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to
handle and either put them in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first year.
Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
Divisions
- Best done in early September after flowering but it can also be done in
March. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.
Pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting
well. Plant them out in the spring.
Recommended planting density
9in
– 15in spacing
Care requirements after installed (water
weekly, water once etc.)
Water
regularly; do not overwater
Normal rate of growth or spread;
lifespan
Perennial
with a moderate growth rate
Grows
to 1 meter high by 1 meter wide
Sources cited
Data
compiled by
Kelly
Sutton 4/25/2006