How much sun does Yellow-leaf iris need?

Yellow-leaf iris grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Yellow-leaf iris bloom?

Yellow-leaf iris blooms in April and May.

Where is Yellow-leaf iris native?

Yellow-leaf iris (Iris chrysophylla) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Yellow-leaf iris toxic to dogs?

Yes. Yellow-leaf 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 Yellow-leaf iris toxic to cats?

Yes. Yellow-leaf 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.

Yellow-leaf iris

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Iris chrysophylla

Last reviewed: September 2026

Yellow-leaf iris (Iris chrysophylla) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees.

Yellow-leaf iris is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

6"–14" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains

A small woodland iris called slender-tubed iris, with narrow evergreen leaves and pale cream to yellow flowers etched with fine purple veining, blooming in open woodland in spring.

Growing Yellow-leaf iris

Grow Yellow-leaf iris in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 14 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its spring flowers provide nectar for native bees in dry open woodland habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow-leaf iris need?: Yellow-leaf iris grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Yellow-leaf iris bloom?: Yellow-leaf iris blooms in April and May.
Where is Yellow-leaf iris native?: Yellow-leaf iris (Iris chrysophylla) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Yellow-leaf iris toxic to dogs?: Yes. Yellow-leaf 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 Yellow-leaf iris toxic to cats?: Yes. Yellow-leaf 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.
What pollinators does Yellow-leaf iris attract?: Yellow-leaf iris draws bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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