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Iris douglasiana - Herb.

Common Name Mountain Iris, Douglas iris
Family Iridaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[65]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[238]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[238].
Habitats Open woods, grassy slopes, fields and open places[71, 270] on a wide range of soil types.[129]
Range South-western N. America - California and Oregon.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Iris douglasiana Mountain Iris, Douglas iris


http://www.flickr.com/photos/38142119@N00
Iris douglasiana Mountain Iris, Douglas iris

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Iris douglasiana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

I. beecheyana. I. watsoniana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fibre  Paper

A fibre is obtained from the leaves. Traditionally the N. American Indians would take just the one outside fibre from each side of a leaf. This must have necessitated using a huge number of leaves. It makes a beautifully strong and pliable cord or rope[92, 207]. It would take a person almost 6 weeks to make a rope 3.5 metres long[207]. The fibre can also be used for making paper[189] The leaves are harvested in summer after the plant has flowered, they are scraped to remove the outer skin and are then soaked in water for 2 hours prior to cooking. The fibres are cooked for 24 hours with lye and then beaten in a ball mill for 3 hours. They make a light tan paper[189]. Plants can be grown for ground cover when spaced about 60cm apart each way[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have found this species to be exceedingly easy to grow in sun or shade in our medium loamy soil that is slightly acid. It does well in very wet as well as very dry years. It has withstood considerable neglect, forming a very dense clump that seems capable of standing up to grass and other vigorous plants[K]. The following notes, however, suggest a wide difference of opinions over the best conditions for this plant[K]. Requires a rich well-drained lime-free soil[42, 71, 79]. Another report says that it succeeds in sun or shade in acid or slightly alkaline soils[129]. Requires a moist soil, growing well by water[1]. This species requires a really well-drained soil, dry rather than damp[233]. It succeeds in dry shade according to another report which also says that it is drought tolerant once established[190]. Easily grown in semi-shade in a woodland soil[42]. Tolerates salt spray[129]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[187]. A very variable and ornamental plant[1, 270], it hybridizes readily, especially with other Pacific coast Irises[129]. Iris douglasiana hybridizes with I. bracteata, I. chrysophylla, I. fernaldii, I. hartwegii, I. innominata, I. macrosiphon, I. munzii, I. purdyi, I. tenax, and I. tenuissima[270]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Resents root disturbance, any moving of the plant is best done in early September[129].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first year. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division, best done after flowering in late summer[42]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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