Douglas Iris
Iris douglasiana
The Douglas Iris is a gorgeous wildflower which grows in a slow spreading leafy clump, spanning nearly a meter wide. The tufts of sword-shaped, dark green leaves arise from the rhizome, a horizontal underground root, and span about half a meter. From the clumps of leaves emerge stems of equal length upon which the colorful flowers bloom. Each dark green stem, 15-80 cm in height, has 1-3 flowers. The flowers come in a variety of cool colors, typically in shades of purplish-blue, though they can range from pale cream to yellow to reddish purple. The flowers have three large lilac-veined petals and several slightly smaller petals, which begin pointing upwards and steadily droop down in the gaps between the 3 larger ones.
Basic Information
Member of the Iridaceae, or iris, family
Perennial herb
There are several recognized varieties of this plant, including Iris douglasiana var. altissima and Iris douglasiana var. oregonensis, though they are similar enough to not be well-defined or of much practical use
Also hybridizes liberally with several other species of iris
Habitat
Native to coast of northern and central California north to southern Oregon
Found in low-elevation, open places such as meadows, coastal prairie and the understory of evergreen forests and oak woodlands
Ecological Role
Pollinated by insects
Reproduction
Blooms from March to May
Alternative Names
Mountain Iris, Western Iris
Historical Uses
Native Americans in the Mendocino area peeled the long leafs to create nets and ropes used to make deer snares
The Kashaya Pomo used the flowers in dance wreaths at the Strawberry Festival
The Yokia wrapped babies in the leaves during berry gathering trips to prevent overheating and thirst
Additional Information
The genus name iris means rainbow in Greek, and refers to the varied color of the flower. Allegedly, irises were created to commemorate the Greek goddess of rainbows, Iris, who so impressed Hera with her purity that she created a similarly colored flower for the goddess.
