A project of the Chicago Botanic Garden
COMMON NAME
Douglas iris
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Iris douglasiana
Plant family
Iris (Iridaceae)
Plant group
Wildflowers and Herbs
Douglas Iris is a perennial herb growing from a creeping, tuberous rhizome. The plant can reach up to about 30" tall and can eventually form large colonies.
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OBSERVERS
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OBSERVATIONS
Identification hints
The rhizome of Douglas Iris is usually less than 1 cm in diameter, and the flowers typically do not exceed the leaves in height.
Did you know?
Iris was used by indigenous people for fishing nets, snares, and regalia. Fibers from the leaf margins are particularly strong and flexible. Iris was also used for its medicinal value against bacterial infection and other agents.
DISTRIBUTION IN TH U.S.
California
,
Oregon
HABITAT
Most commonly found in grasslands near the coast in California and Oregon, typically at elevations below 350 ft.
ATTRIBUTES
Leaves
Douglas Iris has long, sword shaped leaves with parallel venation, 1-2' long and typically less than 1" wide.
Flowers
Flowering stems are erect, 6-30" tall with two or three flowers. Flowers are most often blue, but can sometimes be pale cream, light yellow, or reddish purple. The petals have a white or yellow splotch at the base, with purplish veining.
Fruits
Fruit is a capsule that opens up in 3 parts with many seeds inside.
Bloom Time
Flowers April to June
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