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Name That Plant!

Could this be a spent douglas iris? We’re here in northern California.

3 years ago

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Comments (14)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
Possibly, although the coloring is not quite right. But there are at least a dozen species of iris native to the Pacific Coast (mostly southern OR and northern CA) so it could just as easily be one of them as well. It looks to me more like Iris fernaldii, which is often found in the Bay area.
carol23_gw
3 years ago
https://www.sciencephoto.com/search?q=iris%20foetidissima&media_type=images

Looks similar to Iris foetidissima 'Citrina'.
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danieldumont
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks so much for the tip. It's unfortunate that I didn't notice it earlier to be able to see the full color. I'll take measurements and match them up again the fernaldii. Thanks again!
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 years ago
I have Citrina and it’s more yellow imo, although I don’t usually view it from directly above. But certainly looks like I foetidissima. And it doesn’t get any more colourful than that. Crush a leaf. It should smell like burnt roast beef.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
That is a possibility, although my Iris foetidissima is about twice the height of what's showing in the photo and with quite wide (1"+) glossy, dark evergreen leaves.

But the Pacific Coast native irises - few of which are inclined to want to grow anywhere else on the planet - are more prevalent in the area than many think.

One would know for sure if the berries form :)
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 years ago
I did not know fernaldii but looking at images the leaves don’t seem to be in very flat stiff sheaves.
danieldumont
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you all for the wonderful knowledge and insight. Tomorrow, I’ll go down to the creek and take measurements and better photos. Thanks so much!
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
If it seems to be growing in a natural, woody and damp habitat, chances are very good it is one of the natives rather than the non-native I. foetidissima. If growing in a cultivated garden, I'd say the reverse.
Embothrium
3 years ago
Absolutely this is Iris foetidissima, both the flowers and the leaves are those of this species.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
LOL!! There is no absolutely about it!! I grow both the Iris foetidissima as well as being a collector of several of the numerous Pacific Coast species and a whole bunch of the PC hybrids and most are superficially very close in resemblance. Without seeing the plant in person or in greater detail than the couple of pics provide, I doubt anyone who has responded can say with certainty exactly what species it is.
Embothrium
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Iris douglasiana

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=iris+douglasiana&qpvt=iris+douglasiana&FORM=IARRSM

Iris foetidissima

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=iris+foetidissima&qpvt=iris+foetidissima&FORM=IARRSM
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 years ago
Daniel, make sure to do the smell test. I foetidissima is unmistakeable. If you can, open a seed pod. I foetidissima will have berries forming inside, not seeds.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 years ago
This is ‘Citrina’, sadly a little dishevelled.

Obviously, coming from seed they’ll be variable but I’m pretty sure this is what you have, Daniel. Photos taken ten minutes ago.
Embothrium
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I’m pretty sure this is what you have

Notice in addition to the same flower structure and basic color combinations, the same vivid green leaves there is also the same wrinkled looking, often broad waisted fruits as on the plant asked about.

>If it seems to be growing in a natural, woody and damp habitat, chances are very good it is one of the natives rather than the non-native I. foetidissima<

Ecology: Damp areas in light shade; Elevation: 300--1400 m. Bioregional Distribution: s ScV (ranches only), SnFrB

https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=29193

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