Iris Tenax

October 23rd, 2009

Botanical Name: Iris tenax
Family: N.O. Iridaceae
Synonym: Iris Minor, Iris gormanii – Piper.
Habitat: Open or lightly shaded sites in open oak woodlands; unusual in coniferous forests unless they have been logged over. The hillsides of Oregon.Common and widespread in most of western Oregon and southern Washington west of the Cascade Mountains. There is a separate race in the Klamath Mountains of northern California.

Description: Perennial growing to 0.3m by 0.6m.
It is hardy to zone 0 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Iris Tenax plant-1 .. Iris Tenax flower

1. Floral tube between ovary and petals stout and short (about ¼ inch)
2. Narrow spathes separate, leaving ovary exposed
3. Style crests short and rounded
4. Plants form dense, compact clumps with narrow, light green leaves growing taller than the numerous flower stalks
5. Stalks usually bear single flowers, occasionally two
6.Flower color: Wide color range from purple and lavender to white, cream and yellow.

Cultivation details
Requires a really well-drained lime-free soil that is dry rather than damp. Succeeds in dry shade according to another report which also says that, once established, it is drought tolerant. Very easy to grow in a lime-free woodland soil. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade. A very ornamental plant. Hybridizes freely, especially with other Pacific Coast Irises. Iris tenax hybridizes with I. bracteata, I. chrysophylla, I. douglasiana, I. hartwegii, I. innominata, I. macrosiphon, I. purdyi, and I. tenuissima. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.

Propagation
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first year. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division, best done in early September after flowering but it can also be done in March. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Medicinal Uses
Antiemetic.

A tincture of the whole plant, or the bulbous stems, is given in the treatment of bilious vomiting and is recommended for treating depression.

Other Uses
Fibre.

The fibre is buoyant, strong and durable.The Indians use the fibres of this plant for making ropes.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider .

Resources:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/i/iriten10.html

http://www.pacificcoastiris.org/tenax.html

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Iris+tenax