Re: Iris missouriensis

If you like Iris missouriensis, but have trouble getting it to grow in your garden, there may be an alternative worth trying.
 
Here in central California, Iris missouriensis grows well in mountain meadows (snowy winters, dry summers) between 5,000 and 8,000 feet along the upper and eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Along the coast Iris longipetala grows in sunny pastures and meadows (rainy winters, dry summers) between sea level and maybe 1,000 (?) ft elevation.
 
Some botanists believe the two are one and the same species; others think longipetala is side branch of missouriensis that got trapped down near sea level during the Ice Ages and became adapted to its new habitat.
 
Whatever - - - Iris longipetala seems to have somewhat different growing requirements, and it grows happily in our garden in Petaluma, just above sea level. The only care it gets is our gratitude. Perhaps Iris longipetala might be easier to establish in home gardens at lower levels.
 
Steve Ayala
webperson - Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: i*@cableone.net
Subject: Re: [iris-species] Iris missouriensis

Jim,
 
They grow wild on the top of Mingus Mtn (7000ft) in AZ w some snow each year but certainly very dry. I tried getting a piece to move down the mtn but so for no luck. I  think it gets too much water in my garden and/or it doesn't get cold enough at 3500ft .  
 
 
Linda in CW AZ
 
 

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