Central Coast Iris

Carried by 4 nurseries

Estimated plant range Estimated plant range

Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Plant description

Central Coast Iris (Iris longipetala) is a rare native perennial herb that is found in the wild only in the counties surrounding the Bay Area. It is included on CNPS list 4.2. It tends to grow in moist open places, at elevations from 0-1,500 feet. This Iris is a good garden performer with large flowers and a pleasant fragrance. It is recommended for gardens on the central and northern coast.

Plant overview

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Size

2 ft Tall
2 ft Wide

Form

Upright

Dormancy

Summer Semi-deciduous

Fragrance

Pleasant

Color

Blue, Lavender, Purple, White

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats, Deer resistant

Landscaping information

Sun

Deep Shade, Partial Shade

Water

Low, Moderate, High

Summer irrigation

Irrigate ~ 1 / wk once established

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 0° F

Soil drainage

Medium, Slow

Soil description

Prefers clay soil.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 8.0

Propagation

For propagating by seed: No treatment. Sow in early fall outdoors.

Sunset Zones

4*, 5*, 6*, 7, 14, 15*, 16*, 17*, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Natural setting

Site type

Moist open places along the central coast

Plant communities

Coastal Prairie, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Companion plants

See all

Use with other perennial herbs and annuals of the central and northern coast that share its moisture and soil preferences, such as Milkmaids (Cardamine californica), Cobwebby Thistle (Cirsium occidentale), Clarkia spp., Larkspur (Delphinium spp.), Checkerbloom (Sidalcea spp.), and geophytes such as Mariposa Lily (Calochortus spp.), Fritillaria spp., and Lilium spp.