Douglas' Iris © Jerry Pavia

Odd-Shaped Flowers

Description Large, reddish-purple, pinkish, white, or cream flowers, with lilac veins, on stout branched stalks rising from clumps of sword-shaped leaves.
Flowers: 3-4" (7.5-10 cm) wide; sepals 3, long, petal-like, curved downward; petals 3, erect, about as long as sepals, slightly narrower; sepals and petals joined to form a tube at base 1/2-1" (1.5-2.5 cm) long; pair of bracts beneath flower nearly opposite each other, bases not separated by space on stem.
Leaves: To 3' (90 cm) long (usually shorter), 3/4" (2 cm) wide, flexible, tough.
Height: 6-31" (15-80 cm).

Warning Some Iris species are known to be poisonous to humans and animals if eaten (especially the rhizome, or root), and it is likely that all irises contain toxins. Plant juices can cause blisters on the skin.

Flower March-May.

Habitat Grassy slopes and open brush.

Range Coast Ranges from southern Oregon south to central California.

Discussion This is a common iris in the Redwood region. The genus name, Greek for "rainbow," refers to the variegated coloration of the flower. In Greek mythology, Iris, a member of Hera's court and goddess of the rainbow, so impressed Hera with her purity that she was commemorated with a flower that blooms in the rainbow colors of her robe.