This herbaceous rhizomatous beardless iris has upright to arching foliage and forms a dense clump. It has dark green grass-like leaves and the lavender blue to pink, yellow or white flowers appear above the foliage from mid-spring to midsummer.

Hardiness zones 2 to 9

Iris tenaxis naturally found in North America from Western Oregon to western Washington and northern California growing in low mountain regions in moist meadows or forest margins and in open areas in coniferous forests at an altitude from 100 m (328 ft) to 500 m (1640 ft).

It prefers a semi-shaded to sunny position and grows in moist to dry humus rich well-drained sandy to light clay soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5.

The Pacific Coast Iris is grown for its clumping habit and flowers. It is planted along borders in small or cottage gardens and is mass planted for bedding displays. It is also used in woodland settings and grown in patio pots and planter boxes.

It is suitable for coastal and a low mountain regions and establishes in 2-4 years forming a compact clump. This iris prefers a wet winter and a dry summer and is deer and rabbit resistant. Native Americans use the fibre from the leaves for weaving and for making rope or paper. ID 3524

Iris (EYE-ris) tenax(TEN-aks)