#31. Oregon Flag

Scientific Name:

Iris tenax (43K)

Common Local Irises:

Iris missouriensis Western Blue Flag (Meadows & streams that are moist in spring in the east Columbia Gorge.).

Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag (Tall & yellow-along edges ofstreams & ponds).

Family Name:

Iris Family

Habitat:

Moist forest openings, grasslands, and roadsides to middle altitudes.

Characteristics:

1. Flowers large, showy, with 3 large petals and 3 smaller, thin petals. Petals generally lavendar to purple with yellow and cream markings.

2. Leaves thick, somewhat grass-like but wider. The leaves are found at the base of the plant.

3. The Oregon Flag attains a height of about one to feet.

Uses or Importances:

1. The leaves were braided into snares for animal capture.

2. Pretty wildflower. Many have been domesticated & bred for unusual flower color.

3. The boiled root broth was used as a beauty treatment (supposedly it cleared the complexion) and also to treat bruises and sores.