Skip to main content
← Plants for Bees
Oregon Iris
Oregon Iris botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Oregon Iris

Iris tenax
In the United States: Native · also called toughleaf iris, tough-leaved iris

Honeybees visit Iris tenax for nectar and pollen during its spring bloom, peaking in May in temperate zones. It forms grassy clumps in moist meadows and woodland edges, preferring well-drained soils and tolerating light drought once established. Occasional division helps maintain flowering vigor, and it resists deer browsing but may need protection from wet winter soils.

Nectarmedium
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) April–June
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
BeeAI — Ask the old beekeeper
Hey there, honey. Ask me anything about your bees.