This vigorous rhizomatous beardless iris has arching foliage and forms a large clump. It has dark green grass-like leaves and the purplish-blue to white or yellow flowers appear in a small cluster above the foliage from mid spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Iris douglasianais naturally found in western North America from northern and central California to southern Oregon growing along the coastal regions normally within sight of the ocean, on bluffs and dry grassy hillsides. It also appears inland in open areas and is found from sea level to an altitude of 1,000 m (3,280 ft).

It prefers an open to expose sunny position and grows in well-drained to boggy organic rich moist to dry, sandy to light clay soils that are tending acidic with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is drought and salt spray tolerant but frost tender and is not troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.

Douglas Iris is grown for its clumping habit and its flowers. It is planted along borders in small gardens or mass planted in parks and large gardens as a ground cover. It is also used in seaside locations or woodland settings and establishes in 2-3 years. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and requires little maintenance once established. This fire resistant plant commonly hybridises with other local iris species and is regarded as a weed in farm areas as it is unpalatable to livestock. ID 3708

Iris (EYE-ris) douglasiana (dug-lus-ee-AN-uh)