| Iris missouriensis | |
|---|---|
| Iris missouriensis in Wenas Wildlife Area | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Subfamily: | Iridoideae |
| Tribe: | Irideae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Limniris |
| Series: | Longipetalae |
| Species: | I. missouriensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Iris missouriensis Nutt. |
|
Iris missouriensis is a species of iris found in western North America. Its distribution is varied; it grows at high elevations in mountains and alpine meadows and all the way down to sea level in coastal hills. Its common names include western blue flag and Rocky Mountain iris. The flower may be any shade of purple or blue-purple, often a light shade with darker veining.
Some Plateau Indian tribes used the roots to treat toothache.[1]
This iris is considered a weed in some areas, particularly in agricultural California. It is bitter and distasteful to livestock and heavy growths of the plant are a nuisance in pasture land. Heavy grazing in an area promotes the growth of this hardy iris.
Media related to Iris missouriensis at Wikimedia Commons