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Iris ID Resources

2 years ago

Hello,

I work at a cemetery and have been tasked with identifying a large collection of irises donated by a local iris enthusiast several years ago before her passing. She sent us a list of what she suspected was in the collection, but the individual clumps and any related tags were mixed up during the subsequent transport and planting. I've had a small bit of success finding matches compared to her list of cultivars, but I suspect that much of what we have is not on the list. How do you all recommend going about identifying them? The Iris wiki is wonderful if you know what you're looking for, but unfortunately without the cv names I've hit a wall in identifying many of these. Is there a sortable advanced search feature on any of the websites that I'm missing? Are there any more forums that are appropriate for posting quite a lot of photos and seeking ID help from the internet?

I really appreciate any assistance!

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Comments (5)

bellarosa
2 years ago
Hello! I would start with the American Iris Society - here's the link to their website: https://www.irises.org

I'm sure you can also check out regional iris societies that are listed on the site as well.

Good luck! I'm sure that there are some wonderful gems in the collection. Please post pics.
HU-512596884 thanked bellarosa
chadinlg Zone 9b Los Gatos CA
2 years ago
If you have a local Iris society - they will have a Spring show where people bring in flower stalks for judging, but also for flower arrangements done on site etc. - so bring in some buckets with bloom stalks of your Iris to ID and donate for flower arrangers, they will be happy to help you.

Also in my experience the best way to get a true name is to enter a stalk under the wrong name...
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Yes, make sure you don't buy just any old iris. Check into the habits of each one, because they vary a lot in bloom periods, vigor, scent, "substance" (how long the flower lasts) and rebloom. You can buy irises in flower right now from Matilija Nursery in Moorpark, about an hour away from where you are. Bob and Bonnie Sussman have a big selection of native plants and they also sell irises, mostly rebloomers and Pacific Coast Native irises, but also Louisianas and Spurias, if memory serves. Look online first and choose ones you like, then ask over at the iris forum for opinions on growth and vigor. I do not buy irises that are touted for vigor. I don't like dividing them every year. Also be on the lookout for leaf spot. You do not want to buy irises that have it. The big online sellers like Schreiner's and Mid-America Gardens and Napa Country Iris sell clean rhizomes. Renee Here is a link that might be useful: Bonnie's Irises
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HU-512596884
Original Author
2 years ago
Haha! This is a great suggestion. I will look into when ours is. Thank you so much!
Karin Dirkx
last year
Historic Iris Preservation Society.

Then check Gallery and filter system. Also they have a Facebook page where you can submit photos to get Identification help.
Embothrium
last year
last modified: last year
As with hostas and daylilies you are dealing with a hobbyist plant group where named introductions number in the thousands. So do not adopt any names without confirming live specimens being involved (you hold flowers from one with a known reliable name next to a cemetery iris and cannot tell them apart). Even then because there are so many horticultural selections of irises grown two can look alike and still not be the same introductions with the same histories. Other than that because this was an enthusiast collection there is the possibility of rare kinds - maybe their own personal seedling selections - that are not widely known being involved. Including seedlings they have raised themselves and never named.

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