Iris longipetala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iris longipetala |
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| Image from Curtis's Botanical Magazine 88 in 1862 | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Iris subg. Limniris |
| Section: | Iris sect. Limniris |
| Series: | Iris ser. Longipetalae |
| Species: |
I. longipetala
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| Binomial name | |
| Iris longipetala |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Iris longipetala is a type of iris plant. It belongs to the Limniris group and the Longipetalae series. This plant grows from rhizomes, which are like underground stems. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
This iris comes from North America. It has dark green or bluish-green leaves that look like grass. Its stem is small, and it produces 3 to 8 flowers. These flowers can be creamy-white, pale blue, or lavender blue. People often grow it as an ornamental plant in places with a temperate climate.
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What Does Iris longipetala Look Like?
Iris longipetala grows from a thick underground stem called a rhizome. These rhizomes can be about 1 to 2.5 cm (0.4 to 1 inch) wide. They have small branches and many roots. The rhizomes spread out, making the plant look like it grows in clumps. Over time, it can form large groups of plants.
The plant has a small stem that grows about 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) tall. It might have one or two branches. Three leaves grow along the stem, wrapping around it.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves are either dark green or bluish-green. They can be as long as the flowering stems or a little shorter. They grow from the bottom of the plant and look like grass. Usually, they are about 5 to 11 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. The leaves briefly turn grey or yellow-brown as they die. But new ones quickly appear, making the plant look green all year.
Each stem can have 3 to 8 flowers. These flowers bloom in spring (March to April) or summer in Europe. The flowers are large, about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) across. However, their petals are narrow.
The flowers have a very light scent. They come in shades of creamy-white, pale blue, or lavender blue. Each flower has purple veins, from light lilac to dark purple. The lower petals often have a small yellowish patch.
Seeds
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms a seed capsule. This capsule is shaped like an oval and is about 5 cm (2 inches) long. It is narrower at both ends. The capsule has 6 ridges along its length and is almost round. Inside, you'll find wrinkled, dark brown, pear-shaped seeds.
How Was Iris longipetala Named?
This iris is commonly called the 'Long Petaled Iris' or 'Coast Iris'.
William Herbert first described this plant. He wrote about it in a book called 'Botany of Captain Beechey's Voyage'. This was published in February or March of 1840.
Later, in 1963, a picture of the plant was shown in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society.
The United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service confirmed its name on April 4, 2003. They updated this information on June 6, 2007.
The RHS also accepts Iris longipetala as a correct name.
Where Does Iris longipetala Grow?
Iris longipetala is a native plant to North America.
Natural Home
It grows naturally in the western state of California. You can find it around the San Francisco Bay Area. It grows from Mendocino County down to Monterey County. It also grows on the Twin Peaks hills in San Francisco.
Habitat
This iris likes moist, open areas in coastal grasslands. It can also be found in pastures where cattle graze. This is because cattle don't like to eat it.
It grows at elevations less than 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level.
How to Grow Iris longipetala
This plant is quite tough and can survive cold weather. It is hardy in USDA Zone 3. This means it can handle temperatures not colder than -12°C (10°F).
You can plant it in sunny spots or areas with some shade. If you live near the coast, it can handle full sun. If you live further inland, it prefers a little shade. It needs regular watering when it's blooming. After flowering, it needs less water.
It prefers soil that drains well. It can survive long dry periods in summer, except in very hot inland areas. Deer usually don't eat it, and cattle also avoid it because the leaves don't taste good to them.
This iris can grow in wet, heavy soils, including clay. It's a good choice for garden borders or the edges of shrub beds. It also does well near ponds or in bog gardens.
You can see examples of this plant at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Reproduction: How to Grow More Plants
It's best to grow more Iris longipetala plants by 'division'. This means carefully splitting the plant's rhizomes.
Hybrids
Iris longipetala can easily mix with another iris called Iris missouriensis. This creates new types of irises.
One known hybrid is called Iris longipetala superba. There is also a known variant, Iris longipetala var. pelogonus. However, this might actually be a type of Iris missouriensis.
Is Iris longipetala Safe?
Like many other irises, most parts of the Iris longipetala plant are poisonous. This includes the rhizomes and leaves. If someone accidentally eats them, it can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Just touching the plant might also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction for some people.
 | Leon Lynch |
 | Milton P. Webster |
 | Ferdinand Smith |
