Iris hartwegii

Habit: this low growing deciduous iris has slender, green, basal leaves with a faint pink color near the base. Appearing singly from slender creeping rhizomes with fibrous roots and not in clumps. Because of several subspecies, colors range from creamy white, pale yellow to deep yellow, and light purple. The inflorescence has 2-3 terminal flowers with erect, hairy petals that are the same color as the sepals. The sepals are thin and spreading. Blooms from May to July.

Ecology: found in dry coniferous forests, open shady slopes and in heavy moist shade at elevations from 2000-7600 ft (600-2300 m). Native and endemic to California.

Growing Conditions: full sun to full shade in well-drained moist soil.

There is a lot of variety in the flower color due to several subspecies.