The scientific name for this species of iris is Iris tenax, which literally means tough iris. They are also commonly known as the Oregon iris and are native to the Pacific Northwest, they are fairly short for an iris and have narrow leaves.

I first saw these blossoming one spring day in a meadow at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge and fell in love with them, so I bought one at a nursery and planted it in our garden. Unfortunately, we moved before I ever got to see it bloom and I don’t know if the new owners appreciated its subtle beauty compared to the large, showy irises more commonly seen in gardens.