Douglas Iris

Iris douglasiana

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Iridaceae
Genus:
Iris
Species:
Iris douglasiana

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Blue

Native Range

United States: California, Oregon

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Sitka bumble bee (Bombus sitkensis), Sitka bumble bee (Bombus sitkensis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal regions, prefers sandy loam

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds: Stratification for 1 month or 80 days of cool/moist stratification at 38°F. Rhizomes: Cut into pieces and directly potted.

Establishment: Seeds are collected between June 1st and August 31st. Rhizome divisions are collected in the fall. Seedlings will not grow large enough the first year and are held over another year. There are regional variations in the distribution of I. douglasiana.

Source: npn.rngr.net