histroides—Bulbous, about four inches high, with pale-blue flowers which appear early before the leaves. Various colors available.
innominata—Rhizomatous West Coast dwarf with long grassy leaves and flowers varying between yellow and orange, and between lavender and purple. Blooms in May and June. Takes light shade and neutral, or even slightly acid, soil.
orchioides—Bulbous, with sword-shaped leaves to nine inches long; has several purple-blotched yellow flowers per stem.
reticulata—Bulb covered with netted membrane. Reedy stems about eight inches long disappearing in June. Crested flowers on six-inch stems with a fragrance like fresh violets. Gold-marked on deep purple. Blooms very early in March, even in snow.
tenuifolia—Rhizomatous, about six inches high, blue-purple flowers in June.
vartani—Bulbous, flowering in late winter in mild areas, stemless slate-blue or violet flowers.
voina—Native rhizomatous species which spreads by stolons; four to six inches tall. Has tufts of narrow leaves and beardless flowers which are lilac, or velvet marked yellow, on three-inch stems; blooms in May. Provide light shade and acid soil.
CARE. For bulbous type: sandy or gritty soil with humus; drainage; sun, except the hottest. For dwarf bearded type: loamy alkaline soil, and drainage. Moist. More sun for best flowering.
PROPAGATION. Bulbous: divide bulbs in summer and replant in summer. Rhizomatous: divide in summer.
SPECIAL USES. Rock gardens, forcing, flower beds.