Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

This beautiful selection forms vigorous 2 to 3 foot wide clumps of arching, dark green sword shaped leaves. From spring to early summer 3 to 4 inch flowers arise on 1 to 2 foot high stems. The flowers of 'Yellow' are a beautiful sun-yellow with orange to orange-brown veins. Douglas irises are one tough customer that provide the gardener a range of uses. They are fabulous scattered under oaks or other dry shady areas, or massed to produce a grass-like ground cover. They can be planted in full sun along the coast and in filtered light inland. Irises are not finicky about soil types, but they prefer richer soils such as clay with some organic matter in the soil. Once established they do not need much water but they like a bit of water throughout their first year to get established. Remember, they may look like lush grass, but do not appreciate regular watering in summer months, when they are naturally adapted to little or no rainfall. They are an important nectar producer for native bees and also make great cut flowers .

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Form

Clumping

Dormancy

Evergreen

Special uses

Groundcover, Deer resistant

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade, Deep Shade

Water

Low, Moderate

Ease of care

Easy

Soil description

Tolerates a wide variety of soils. Tolerates serpentine soil..
Soil PH: 5.0 - 8.0

Maintenance

Can be deadheaded

Sunset Zones

4, 5, 6, 7*, 8*, 9*, 14, 15*, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24*

Use with other plants that prefer rich, heavy soils and more moisture such as rushes (Juncus spp.), spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), sedges (Carex spp.), Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa), lilies, California Grape (Vitis californica), Wild Rose (Rosa californica), ferns, and trees such as Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum), or willows (Salix spp.).

Caterpillars
Butterflies