Re: I. sanguinea/sibirica

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I was trying to identify this clump of Siberian species seedling/s in
their 4th year. Their form looks more similar to I. sanguinea photos in
the SIGNA database, but they don't have red spathes like sanguinea,
although one photo in the database shows an I. sibirica flower with a
red spathe.

This seedling(s) has 2 or 3 flowers on top and a short side branch with
one flower 2/3 of the way up each scape. Branching is supposed to be a
sign the plant is I. sibirica, although Dennis writes he's seen
branching on I. sanguinea.

I read on another website that I sibirica's flowers were above theIt 
leaves and I sanguinea flowered more down in the leaves. This seedling
flowers just above the leaves.

Or it could be bee cross. Bees love these flowers. Almost every flower
forms a pod. Where I abandoned a handful of Siberian species seedlings
at my old place 8 years ago there are now dozens of new clumps, with
more volunteer clumps appearing in new spots each year. It might be
difficult for seed growers to keep Siberian species separate where
several were growing in the same area.

This is one of the nicer iris seedlings I've grown so far. I'd like to
know what this plant is when I show it or pass it on to others. Thanks
for any input.

Dan Mason zone 3, NW ON, Canada

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