Wild Western States Iris - The Non-Pacificas:

Central Coast iris, Iris longipetala

Photo By Doreen L. Smith

Iris longipetala (series LONGIPETALAE) flourishes close to sea level in moist, sunny grasslands and pastures surrounding Nicasio Reservoir in Marin County, California. In the drier, slightly more elevated spots, it grows side-by-side with the Pacifica iris I. macrosiphon. Doreen calls attention to the prominant nectar guide lines, characteristic of the species. April 2000 (CalPhotos Project, Berkeley CA)