pickup icon

SAVE THE DATE: Ordering begins Sun Aug 16 at 9am

Close-up of white bloom of yellowleaf iris (Iris chrysophylla). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close up of three showy white flowers of native yellowleaf iris (Iris chrysophylla). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Side view of the showy white flowers of native yellowleaf iris (Iris chrysophylla). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A mature yellowleaf iris plant (Iris chrysophylla), with green grass-like foliage and lots of white flowers. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Yellowleaf Iris

$5.95
$5.95

Iris chrysophylla

With its slender, upright form and delicate foliage, yellowleaf iris looks like a little woodland sprite reaching skyward on tiptoe. Through spring and early summer, its narrow, light-green leaves frame graceful, slender flowers in creamy white to pale yellow, often marked with striking dark veins and a warm yellow eye. A valuable native perennial for pollinator-friendly landscapes, yellowleaf Iris provides forage for beneficial insects and shines in raingardens, rock gardens, perennial borders, meadow-style gardens, and sunny woodland edges, where its subtle beauty brings a touch of wild Pacific Northwest charm.

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 6-12" tall, 8-20" wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist soil, but ok to dry out in the summer months, prefers well-drained
  • Bloom time: April-July 
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, moderately easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar for hummingbirds, adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and other pest-eating insects
  • Native habitat/range: can be found growing in open forests and woodlands, at low to mid elevations up to 2000m, across from mid-western and southern Oregon and into northern California. Portland Plant List - no.
  • Special features & uses: supports hummingbirds; deer resistant; drought-tolerant once established; exceptionally strong fibers leaves can be used for weaving and rope making; landscape uses include meadowscapes, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, raingardens or bioswales

Gardening with Yellowleaf Iris: Yellowleaf iris grows best in full sun to light shade with moderately moist, well-drained soil that can become somewhat drier in summer. In a habitat garden, use it in native perennial borders, meadow plantings, rock gardens, or along sunny woodland edges, where its graceful foliage and delicate flowers can be woven among other Pacific Northwest natives. Give it good drainage, avoid consistently soggy soil and water somewhat regularly while establishing. Once established, it is perfectly fine to dry out during the summer months, though watering it infrequently will keep a lush look, longer. A light layer of mulch can help moderate moisture without burying the rhizomes.

Photo Credit 1 (flower closeup): © Dee Shea Himes, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credits 2-4 (side view, three flowers, habit): © Merlla McLaughlin, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Back to Hummingbird Garden