Fernald's iris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fernald's iris
Scientific classification
Genus:	Iris
Species:	fernaldii
Synonyms
Limniris fernaldii (R.C.Foster) Rodion.

Iris fernaldii, with common name is Fernald's iris, is a species of iris endemic to western Northern California.

The plant is native to the Inner and Outer North California Coast Ranges, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains, and surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area. It is found between 164–6,562 feet (50–2,000 m) in elevation. It grows in full sun near the coast, and afternoon shade inland.

Fernald's are no longer found in pure form in Marin County, however; they have naturally hybridized with Douglas iris in this area.

Description

Iris fernaldii spreads by underground rhizomes. It has leaves that are gray-green with pink, red, or purple coloring along their edges and bases. The plants grow to 1 foot (30 cm) tall

The gray-veined yellow flowers usually grow paired on a stem. The color ranges from creamy white or a rich to pale yellow, and rarely light lavender.

Cultivation

Iris fernaldii is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty plant nurseries. It is used in traditional flower beds, native plant and habitat gardens, drought tolerant and natural landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects. Occasional Summer irrigation is needed in warmer climates.

Images for kids

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  'Clump' of Iris fernaldii (Fernald's iris) plants.