Re: Iris domestica

 


On Jan 29, 2013, at 6:32 PM, Mark A. Cook <b*@bellsouth.net> wrote:

 Iris domestica, shown here under its ‘old’ name, appears to be naturalized in two counties in southern Michigan. 


I find huge old clumps of Iris domestica naturalized every year when I go mushroom hunting. Both in eastern Kansas and western Missouri. I rarely go back in summer to see them in flower as we have a lot of ticks in the woods. I also see smaller clumps in bloom in areas that are not mowed. I think they must be distributed by birds as they are usually quite isolated. I never see a field or hillside of them so I don't believe they will ever become a problem weed like I. pseudacorus. In its untended state I. domestica appears to be long lived. Overfed plants in a garden setting only last a few years.
 Iris dichotoma is a short lived plant rarely lasting more than three years for me. I never get self sown plants so have to raise new ones frequently to keep it but, I. dichotoma does well on its own on my small farm south of Kansas City. Growing in rich but thin prairie soil over limestone it self sows enough to keep a few dozen plants going. 
Jim


Jim Murrain
8871 NW Brostrom Rd
Kansas City, MO 64152-2711
USA
Zone 6a





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