Iris douglasiana (Iridaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Iris douglasiana
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Iris douglasiana plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Some home gardeners know the variety as I. beecheyana. I. watsoniana.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Iris douglasiana
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  Herbert.

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].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Grassy slopes and open places[71] on a wide range of soil types.[129]

General Uses: 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 neccesitated 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].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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