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(Iris douglasiana)
Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)
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Karen and Mike
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Karen and Mike
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Karen and Mike | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Karen and Mike | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-03-28T09:38:49-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Iris douglasiana, commonly known as Douglas Iris, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the coastal regions of Northern and Central California and southern Oregon in the United States. It is typically found in coastal scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands, often below 100 meters (330 ft) but can occur at elevations up to 1,000 meters (3,300 ft). This species forms clumps reaching 1-2 feet in height and 2-4 feet in width. The Douglas Iris has sword-shaped leaves and produces showy flowers in shades of purple, lavender, blue, or occasionally white, with flowering occurring from April to June.
Douglas Iris is valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and native plant landscapes. It is often used in border plantings, as a ground cover, and in wildflower gardens. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate part shade, especially in hotter inland areas. It prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to slower-draining soils if not overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that it can form dense clumps that may need management to prevent it from outcompeting other vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Douglas Iris is valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and native plant landscapes. It is often used in border plantings, as a ground cover, and in wildflower gardens. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate part shade, especially in hotter inland areas. It prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to slower-draining soils if not overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that it can form dense clumps that may need management to prevent it from outcompeting other vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Coastal scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Iris douglasiana, Iris watsoniana, Iris douglasiana var. bracteata, Iris douglasiana var. oregonensis, Iris douglasiana var. major, Iris douglasiana var. mendocinensis, Iris beecheyana, Iris douglasiana f. alpha, Iris douglasiana var. alpha
GBIF Accepted Name: Iris douglasiana Herb.