Rocky Mountain Iris
Iris missouriensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rocky Mountain Iris is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Rocky Mountain Iris as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rocky Mountain iris is a native perennial with elegant blue to purple flowers that bloom from May through July. This compact iris grows 6-24 inches tall with narrow, upright foliage that creates a tidy clump in the garden.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rocky Mountain Iris is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. This native iris provides important nectar sources for pollinators in late spring and early summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rocky Mountain Iris need?
- Rocky Mountain Iris grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Rocky Mountain Iris bloom?
- Rocky Mountain Iris blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Rocky Mountain Iris native?
- Rocky Mountain Iris (Iris missouriensis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Rocky Mountain Iris toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Rocky Mountain Iris is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Rocky Mountain Iris toxic to cats?
- Yes. Rocky Mountain Iris is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Rocky Mountain Iris toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Rocky Mountain Iris as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Rocky Mountain Iris attract?
- Rocky Mountain Iris draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Rocky Mountain Iris HOA-friendly?
- Rocky Mountain Iris is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Rocky Mountain Iris and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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