North American Native Iris
There are about thirty species of irises native to North America. All belong
to the subgenus Limniris, the beardless irises. This page is a start at
providing some information on these interesting and beautiful wildflowers.
Here's what's available now:
· Distribution by state/province
· Alphabetical listing - with links to descriptions and photos
· Listing by taxanomical series - with links to descriptions and photos
· Commercial suppliers of species irises
· Photographing irises by Diana Louis - Some helpful hints on iris photography for those of us that are not photographers.
· Other native irids - North and South American cousins of true irises.
· NANI in the Scientific Literature - some selected references
· SIGNA seed list - a list of SIGNA seeds available to everyone
· Sisyrinchium page - photos of Sisyrinchium species
· Photos from the iris patch 2002
Links to more information about NANI and other species Irises!
Information
about the photos and maps on these pages and their availability for use.
Questions? Comments? Drop me a line: rbarton@unt.edu. I'm
more thanhappy to try to answer your iris questions, but good information on
culture of hybrid irises can be found on several web sites. Start with
the American
Iris Society site and follow the many
links you'll find there.
PLEASE NOTE: Many
of the native irises are threatened by loss of habitat. Please do not endanger
them further by collecting plants from the wild, and be careful not to damage
their habitat when viewing or photographing them in the wild. The only
acceptable way to propagate plants from the wild is by collecting seed, and
this should only be done in moderation. Many of the native irises are difficult
to transplant and difficult to maintain if they survive transplantation.
Sometimes starting from seed is actually easier. The native irises that can be
readily grown in the garden are available from a number of commercial suppliers. Seeds are also available from seed exchange programs. Please use these sources
rather than collecting plants from the wild.
Last modified on
4/06.