Iris munzii








Botanical Name: Iris munzii (added by D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Botanical Synonyms:
N/A
Classification:
Californicae, Pacific Coast Native (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Common Names:
Munz's Iris (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Chromosome Count:
2n=40 according to the SIGNA Checklist of Iris Species. (D. Kramb, 29-SEP-04)
General Description:
Lavender to reddish-purple. (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Grows up to 30" tall with flowers in blue to deep reddish-purple. (D. Kramb, 29-SEP-04)
Distinguishing Features:
Large plants with broad (¾ inch), long (20 inches) blue-green leaves. Tall (2 to 3 feet), unbranched stalks bear 3-4 large lavender flowers. Floral tube short and stout. Spathes separate, open, ovary exposed. (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Preferred Habitat:
Moist, moderately shaded grassland and streamsides. (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Often under diciduous trees, particularly oak, providing winter sun & summer shade. Usually in steep drainages. Habitat is dry in the summer. (Ken Walker, 29-APR-07)
Hardiness:
N/A
Native Range:
USA (CA) - Endemic to the Sierra Nevada foothills in Tulare County, California. 1,800 to 4,000 feet elevation. (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Status in the Wild:
N/A
Commercial Availability:
Very rare due to difficulty keeping species healthy & alive in cultivation. Wild collected seed is rarely available through the SPCNI seed exchange. (Ken Walker, 29-APR-07)
Sources Cited:
Information entered on 06-JAN-04 comes from the Pacific Coast Native Iris club website. (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)
Additional Comments:
Http://www.pacificcoastiris.org/ (D. Kramb, 06-JAN-04)