Society for Pacific Coast Native Irises Join On-Line
(updated June 26, 2006)

SPCNI MEMBERSHIP

SPCNI is the section of the AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY dedicated to the wild-growing irises native to California, Oregon and Washington. Members have diverse interests: some like to learn about each of the 11 different species as they live in their wild habitats, many grow "Pacificas" in their home gardens, while others explore the hidden potential of this unusual genetic pool by crossing different plants to create new hybrids with enhanced disease resistance, especially attractive colors and growth patterns, or longer blooming seasons.

The SPCNI helps its members become familiar with the native irises. It sponsors guided field trips to see wild iris growing in especially good sites, and to gardens that use the various species in landscaping projects. It promotes student research that helps clarify the nature of each iris population and the evolution of the group, including topics like DNA variations in the "Pacificas" and their nearest Old World relatives.

Within the past decade, Pacific Coast native iris have become widely used in private and commercial landscaping projects. In the Western states, they are now available in most commercial nurseries. Society members exchange plants and seeds of species and hybrids. Especially attractive new varieties are judged at local, regional and national shows. The American Iris Society's annual Mitchell Award is the highest recognition for a newly introduced "Pacifica"

For nearly three decades, the Society has published a biannual newsletter, the ALMANAC, with reports describing members' experiences as they discover wild iris populations, raise "Pacificas" in their gardens, or cross different varieties to produce new hybrids. It makes easily available copies of the most helpful published reports, as well as its own publications on diseases affecting the "Pacificas", and complete checklists of named and introduced varieties.

There are several types of SPCNI memberships. Listed below are the membership rates/selections. (Please note that membership information is not available here for local and regional societies. Check with AIS Regional VPs or local club leaders for those membership rates. See the Local Iris Societies listings on this website)

You do not need a PayPal account to use this online subscription service. You may use a Visa, MasterCard, or a PayPal account to make your payment. All membership fees are payable in U.S. funds.

You may use the online payment system to purchase a new subscription or renew an existing one. When renewing, if you know your AIS membership number please include it. (It is listed on the address label of your AIS bulletin.)

If you wish to give the SPCNI membership as a gift please list the recipient's address as the shipping address and note the gift in the "Special Instructions." If you wish to make a donation to the SPCNI in the amount of a subscription, please tell us in the "Special Instructions" box.