Iris purdyi aka Purdy's Iris

Iris purdyi, or Purdy's iris, belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae. It is native to northern California and grows in temperate conditions. Its wild habitats include redwood forests and other mixed forests. It also grows in open woods and on roadside banks. These sites lie along California's coastal ranges. In gardens, it suits woodland edges and areas with dappled shade.

This evergreen perennial grows to about 1.3 feet (0.4 metres) tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The plant grows from rhizomes beneath the soil. Its flowers appear from May to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. It crosses freely with several other Pacific coast irises. This matters when growing plants from seed near related species.

Give it soil that drains well and contains no lime. Sandy ground suits it, but it also grows in loam. Leaf-rich soil is another good choice. It accepts mildly acid to neutral soil. Partial shade suits its needs, though it can grow in full sun. Soil may be dry or moist, provided water drains away. The cultivation account describes it as easy to grow. Its dislike of root disturbance needs care when planting or moving it.

Grow young plants in pots before placing them in their final sites. Set them out promptly to limit later disturbance. Early September is the suggested time for moving established plants. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once it ripens. Keep seedlings under cover for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division offers another way to raise plants after flowering. Pot small divisions until they have formed sound roots.

The leaves provide fibre for cord, rope, and paper. Traditional Indigenous use drew on fibres from the leaf edges. These fibres make strong cord that bends without breaking. For paper, harvest leaves in summer after flowering. Processing includes scraping, soaking, cooking with lye, and beating the fibres. The resulting paper has a pale tan colour. These are material uses, not food uses. Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses. It also records no known medicinal uses for this species.