Ground Iris
Iris macrosiphon
Care
full sun, part shade
low
Medium; Prefers damp loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.
1–2ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Mar-May
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Grasslands and open woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills and interior valleys, 500-4000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Ground Iris in full sun in spring, spacing plants to account for their mature height of 1-2 feet. This Bay Area native prefers damp loamy soil with plenty of organic matter and medium drainage, so amend your soil before planting if it's compacted or lacks organic matter. Avoid planting in areas that stay soggy year-round, as the iris will rot in waterlogged conditions.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then taper off to just once or twice monthly once established - this iris is drought-tolerant and needs very little summer water. Expect the plant to go dormant or lose foliage during hot, dry summers, which is normal behavior. The #1 mistake is overwatering; resist the urge to coddle this tough native plant, especially after year one.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Early spring native bees forage on iris pollen
Visits iris flowers during spring bloom for pollen collection
Feeds on iris foliage during spring growing season
Mammals
Ground iris occurs in oak woodland understory providing cover structure