Iridaceae

Iris douglasiana

Douglas's Iris

Large, upright, aggressive clumps. Stems sometimes branched. Leaves evergreen, dull dark green with red base, to 1 in. wide. Cluster of 1–9 flowers per stem branch. Flowers consist of 3/4–1 in. perianth tube, nipple-like projection at top of ovary, petals deep purple to lavender, blue, or cream with purple, blue, or gold veins. Dried withered flower persists on top of seed capsule. Grows in pastures, grassy slopes, coastal cliffs, usually less than 300 ft. above sea level. Never found more than 2 miles from coast. Hybridizes with other irises; all color combinations are found.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 1/2--3 feet
• Habitat: Coastal, Meadow
• Found In:
• Native: Yes