Kingdom Plantae Family Iridaceae Tribe Irideae Scientific name Iris fernaldii Rank Species | Order Asparagales Subfamily Iridoideae Genus Iris Higher classification Irises | |
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Similar Iris munzii, Irises, Iris tenuissima, Iris bracteata, Iris macrosiphon | ||
Iris fernaldii, with common name is Fernald's iris, is a species of iris endemic to western Northern California.
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The plant is native to the Inner and Outer North California Coast Ranges, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains, and surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area. It is found between 164–6,562 feet (50–2,000 m) in elevation. It grows in full sun near the coast, and afternoon shade inland.
Description
Iris fernaldii spreads by underground rhizomes. It has leaves that are gray-green with pink, red, or purple coloring along their edges and bases. The plants grow to 1 foot (30 cm) tall
The gray-veined yellow flowers usually grow paired on a stem. The color ranges from creamy white or a rich to pale yellow, and rarely light lavender.
Cultivation
Iris fernaldii is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty plant nurseries. It is used in traditional flower beds, native plant and habitat gardens, drought tolerant and natural landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects. Occasional Summer irrigation is needed in warmer climates.