Iridaceae

Iris bracteata

Siskiyou Iris

Erect stems, broad stiff leaves. Stems enclosed with short, overlapping bracts, often reddish. Leaves evergreen, shiny, leathery, dark green on upper side, pale on underside, reddish at base. Flower petals yellow to cream with noticeable veins of red-brown or maroon, perianth tube below petals very short and stout. Grows in shade, on serpentine, below 2500 ft. An important aid in identification of native iris is length of perianth tube between flower and enlargement of ovary where seeds are being formed.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Late Spring
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 12 inches
• Habitat: West-Side Forest
• Found In: Siskiyous
• Native: Yes