Iris tenax is a species of Iris native to southwestern Washington and northwestern Oregon. It is known as the Tough-leaved Iris or Oregon Iris. It occurs along roadsides and in grasslands and forest openings at low to middle elevations. One subspecies is also known from northern California. Like most irises, it has large and showy flowers. The flowers bloom in mid to late spring and are usually lavender-blue to purple, but blooms in white, yellow, pink, and orchid shades are known to sometimes occur. The leaves are very slender for an iris, seldom over 5 millimeter broad; the plant is often mistaken for a type of grass when not in bloom. Its rhizomes spread slowly, causing the plant to grow in a tight clump.
Iris tenax
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