Iris douglasiana
Botanical Name: Iris douglasiana (added by D. Kramb, 09-NOV-03)
Botanical Synonyms:
I. beecheyana, I. watsoniana (D. Kramb, 09-NOV-03)
Classification:
Pacific Coast Native, Californicae (D. Kramb, 09-NOV-03)
Common Names:
Douglas Iris (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Chromosome Count:
2n=40 according to the SIGNA Checklist of Iris Species (D. Kramb, 17-SEP-04)
General Description:
6"-28" (15-70cm) tall, with flower color variable in white, cream, lavendar, to dark purple-red (D. Kramb, 09-NOV-03)
Usually shades of light blue-violet to dark purple; occasionally white, rarely yellow. (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Distinguishing Features:
Stems often branched, each branch bearing 2-3 flowers. Ovary / seed capsule triangular in cross section, with a nipple-like projection at end near flower tube. Floral tube ¾ to 1 inch long. Leaves shiny green above, dull green below, ¼ to 1 inch wide. (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Preferred Habitat:
Grows naturally along coastal zones, usually within sight of the ocean; it is common on bluffs and treeless grassy hillsides. It sometimes extends farther inland in areas where human activity has opened forests to abundant sunlight. Unpalatable to livestock; some ranchers consider it an aggressive weed. (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Hardiness:
Estimated Zone 8-10 (D. Kramb, 09-NOV-03)
Native Range:
USA (CA, OR) (D. Kramb, 09-NOV-03)
Status in the Wild:
This is a vigorous, highly successful iris, common and widespread in coastal areas. It readily crosses with each of the other PCNIs where their ranges overlap. (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Commercial Availability:
Specialty. (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Sources Cited:
Most information added on 02-JAN-04 comes from the Pacific Coast Native Iris Club web site. (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Additional Comments:
Http://www.pacificcoastiris.org/ (D. Kramb, 02-JAN-04)
Species Iris Group of North America
SIGNA member!