Iris chrysophylla
An open-conifer forest native iris with slender rhizomes, typically under 10–12 inches tall, bearing cream-to-pale-yellow flowers with dark veins, blooming April–June from western Oregon to northern California, drought-tolerant, and visited by bees and hummingbirds while being deer resistant.
Common Names
Yellowleaf Iris, Golden Leaved Iris
Summary
Yellowleaf iris is a herbaceous perennial native to western Oregon and northern California, typically found in open conifer forests and woodlands at low to mid elevations. It grows in compact clumps from dark brown slender rhizomes, with linear, finely ribbed light green leaves that may show a reddish base. Flowering stems are simple and slender, bearing 1–2 flowers that are cream to pale yellow with dark golden to reddish-brown or lavender veins; distinctive features include long slender style crests on delicate white to pale yellow blooms with prominent venation.
In cultivation, it tolerates sun to partial shade and suits open conifer forest-inspired landscapes; prefers moist to well-drained soil, with more sun producing more blooms. It spreads by slender rhizomes and is deer resistant, making it a good choice for native plantings and rock or woodland borders; hardiness USDA zones 4–9.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2-8 inches
Spread
6-12 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4-9
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun to partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-drained soil
Soil Drainage
Well-drained or fast-draining soil.
Bloom Color
Cream to pale yellow
Bloom Time
Spring
Foliage Color
Light green to yellow-green, sometimes with a reddish tint at the base.
Fall Foliage Color
Golden (yellow)
Growth Rate
Slow
Seasons of Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees, hummingbirds, birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Howell
- Publication
- Fl. N.W. Amer. 6: 633 (1902)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Asparagales
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Genus
- Iris