Scientific Name | Iris missouriensis | USDA PLANTS Symbol | IRMI |
Common Name | Rocky Mountain Iris, Wild Iris | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 43221 |
Family | Iridaceae (Iris) | SEINet Reference |
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Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (5200 to 11000 ft.); moist areas in meadows, along ditches, stream banks, and aspen groves. Plant: Erect perennial growing in large patches, stout fleshy stem 8 to 24 inches tall. Leaves: Long, linear basal leaves, sword-like, flexible, 8 to 12 inches long. Inflorescence: Large flowers up to 4 inches across with 3 reflexed (bending downward) blue-purple sepals with white and yellow/orange streaks, 3 erect petals and 3 petal-like pistils. Bloom Period: May to July. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel. |
BONAP Distribution Map![]() | Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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