Hybridizer Henry E. Sass (1910-1982)

Taken from: Obituary, American Iris Society Bulletin, Issue# 247, October 1982, p. 85.

Henry was born into the horticultural world of the Sass family and continued the work his father Jacob and uncle Hans had begun. Henry was known in the international flower world for his work with Hemerocallis, irises, lilacs, and peonies. His awards, honorary memberships and special recognitions are endless. The AIS Hybridizer's Medal was awarded to him in 1958. He lived on the Sass farm near Omaha, quietly developing the new and improving the old. He developed a new acorn squash of cream color and a white hem, neither of which were put on the market. He was a farmer, and in later years worked in a veterinary clinic. In the 1960s he moved to town and brought his last plants to the Schliefert Iris Gardens. His last months were spent in an Omaha care center.

Henry was one of the most quiet, unassuming people I have ever known. He carried a wealth of knowledge and experience in the total world of nature, and he had a fantastic memory for records and detail. As a judge, he had a sharp eye for color and detail. He was a patient teacher to the apprentice and was intent on encouraging the novice gardener.

-Mickey Schliefert Anson

See Hans Sass, Jacob Sass, Sass Bros., for additional Sass registrations:

Registrations/Introductions:

Arilbred: 'Sea Spray'.

Tall Bearded:'Autumn Hues', 'Bali Rose', 'Better Times,, 'Butterhorn', 'Capella', 'Champagne Velvet', 'Changing Lights', 'Comanche', 'Cotton Candy', 'Country Butter', 'Cuban Carnival', 'Dancing Ripples', 'Dancing Waters', 'Dark Melody', 'Desert Flower', 'Dotted Swiss', 'Ebany Queen', 'Garnet Glow', 'Huntsman', 'Interlude', 'Ivory Petals', 'Latigo', 'Mattie Gates', 'May Sky', 'Melody', 'Memories', 'Midwest Gold', 'Moby Dick', 'Mohave Gold', 'Nebraska Sunset', 'New Era', 'Night Shadow', 'Persian Robe', 'Pink Giant', 'Port Wine' , 'Prairie Jewel', 'Pretty Pansy', 'Red Chieftain', 'Rosy Veil', 'Sky Crystal', 'Snosheen' , 'Solar Maid', 'Trifari', 'Winter Imp'.

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