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| Douglas iris | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Iris subg. Limniris |
| Section: | Iris sect. Limniris |
| Series: | Iris ser. Californicae |
| Species: | I. douglasiana
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| Binomial name | |
| Iris douglasiana | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Iris douglasiana, the Douglas iris, is a common wildflower of the coastal regions of Northern and Central California and southern Oregon in the United States.[2] It grows mainly at lower elevations, below 100 meters (330 ft), though it is occasionally found at heights of up to 1,000 meters (3,300 ft). It is most common in grasslands near the coast.
Description
[edit]I. douglasiana is a beardless iris typical of subgenus Limniris, series Californicae. It grows from a rhizome that is typically less than a centimeter in diameter. Its leaves are about 2 centimeters (0.79 in) wide and may grow up to 1 meter (3 ft) long. Leaf color ranges from yellow to dark green, with a more red appearance at the base. The flowers, appearing from April to June, are usually a purplish-blue, though occasionally white or yellow flowers are found. Two or three flowers are found on each stem, which is of variable height, ranging from 15–80 centimeters (5.9–31.5 in) tall.[3] Flowers mature into capsules containing up to 80 seeds.[4]
Distribution and Habitat
[edit]I. douglasiana can be found in the wild in mainland coastal areas, ranging from southern Oregon to central California. It prefers sunny areas, usually found in grasslands and occasionally forests. It tolerates a range of soil types and can spread quickly after disturbances.[3]
Taxonomy
[edit]It was first described by 19th century botanist David Douglas in Monterey, California and was first published by the British botanist William Herbert in 'Bot. Beechey Voy.' 9 on page 395 in 1840.[1] Several varieties have been recognized, for example Iris douglasiana var. altissima (Jeps.) and Iris douglasiana var. oregonensis (R. C. Foster), but the species is highly variable and the varieties may not be well enough defined to be of much practical use. The Douglas iris hybridizes freely with several other species; its natural hybrid with I. innominata has been designated as Iris ×thompsonii (R. C. Foster), and the garden hybrid with the same species as Iris ×aureonympha (E. H. English).
Ethnobotany
[edit]I. douglasiana has many useful properties, used primarily by Indigenous peoples such as the Pomo. However, it is not safe to consume as food and can cause severe discomfort if ingested in large quantities.[5] Medicinal applications include use as a diuretic or laxative, to induce vomiting, or to treat infection on external wounds.[4] Extracts of I. douglasiana rhizomes have also been shown to exhibit antibiotic properties.[6] Furthermore, fibers along the leaf margins can be extracted and combined to construct nets, strings, ropes, and snares. Processing the leaves requires a significant amount of time, but the resulting products are strong and flexible.[7][4]
Cultivation
[edit]I. douglasiana is frequently cultivated, both within its native range and beyond. Notably, this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, indicating its suitability for gardening in the United Kingdom.[5] New plants can be propagated from seeds or by separating growth connected by rhizomes. Left unattended, irises will spread in the immediate area through both of these methods. I. douglasiana can become infected by moth larvae of the species Macronoctua onusta (iris borer) and Amphipoea americana var. pacifica.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Iris douglasiana Herb. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
- ^ NRCS. "Iris douglasiana". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ a b Lenz, Lee (1958). "A Revision of the Pacific Coast Irises". Aliso. 4 (1): 17–25. doi:10.5642/aliso.19580401.02.
- ^ a b c d Stevens, Michelle (20 May 2003). "USDA NRCS Plant Guide, Douglas Iris" (PDF). Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b "Iris douglasiana". Royal Horticultural Society. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
- ^ Nealand, Sasha; L. Case, Christine (2023-09-05). "Antimicrobial Effects of Native California Plants: Grindelia Stricta Platyphylla and Iris Douglasiana" (PDF). International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). 12 (9): 673–675. doi:10.21275/SR23907050459.
- ^ Chesnut, V. K. (1902). Plants used by the Indians of Mendocino County, California. Government Printing Office. p. 330.
External links
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