Iris tenax - Tough Leaf Iris

Tough leaf or Oregon iris grows in compact clumps 1-2' wide and spreads through underground rhizomes, producing showy flowers ranging from violet to pale purple.  A good rock garden plant, it adapts easily to sunny areas. Requires dry summer soil. Attracts insects, bees and butterflies. Deer-resistant. Tenax is Latin for tenacious, named because ropes and nets made from its leaves by Native Americans were especially strong.