Western Blue Flag (Iris missouriensis) flower

Western Blue Flag (Iris missouriensis)

Aliases:  Rocky Mountain Iris

Family:  Iris (Iridaceae)

Blooms:  May - June

Western Blue Flag is very similar to Hartweg's Iris, but grows in wetter areas, can grow larger (up to two feet tall), and comes only in the purple variety pictured above.

Lifespan:  Perennial

Origins:  Native to California (see distribution maps for California and U.S./Canada)

Iris missouriensis etymology:  Iris is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, a nod to the variety of flower colors found in the genus. Missouriensis is a reference to the state, which itself gets its name from the Missouri Indian tribe. [1] [2] [3]

This Photo:  In Yosemite Valley, mid May

Other Resources:   CalFlora  ·  CalPhotos  ·  USDA  ·  eFloras.org