Iris tenuissima is a species of iris known by the common name longtube iris.

Iris tenuissima
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Limniris
Section: Iris sect. Limniris
Series: Iris ser. Californicae
Species:
I. tenuissima
Binomial name
Iris tenuissima
Dykes

It is endemic to California, where it is a common wildflower in the woodlands and forests of the northern part of the state.

Description

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This rhizomatous perennial herb produces narrow leaves and an erect inflorescence bearing two iris flowers. The flower has a long tubular throat which may exceed 5 centimeters in length before it opens into white, purple, or reddish-brown streaked tepals.

Subspecies

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  • Iris tenuissima ssp. purdyiformis—affinity to serpentine soil.
  • Iris tenuissima ssp. tenuissima
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