From Greek words meaning 'beautiful grass', these plants have swordlike leaves and flower spikes rising from the center point; native to the western U.S., the majority are found in California where they were used as a food crop by Native Americans; with thin but sturdy stems, the flowers have inner segments which are larger than the outer ones; some even have 'beards' like irises; diverse in shape and colors and make great cut flowers; prefers a sunny, well-drained location with moisture in winter and spring but dry in the summer; late spring to early summer.
