Iris hartwegii, commonly known as Sierra Iris or Foothill Iris, is a perennial herb native to the open woodlands, grassy slopes, and chaparral of the Sierra Nevada and surrounding foothills in California. It typically grows at elevations from 1,000 to 7,000 feet. This species reaches a modest height of 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) and is known for its slender, grass-like leaves and flowering stems that bear one to three showy flowers. The blooms, which appear from late spring to early summer, come in a variety of colors including shades of purple, yellow, or white, often with distinctive lavender veining or markings.

The Foothill Iris is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as a border plant due to its low maintenance and attractive flowers. While it does best with occasional deep watering, especially during prolonged dry periods, it is generally considered easy to care for. Full sun to part shade is ideal for this iris, allowing it to flourish and produce its best floral display. There are no major disease problems, but it can be susceptible to iris borer and root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0