Re: Another photo of this iris

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Jim,

the height you give is quite tall for kerneriana.  Typically it is half so tall and considered a dwarf.  You may have I. halophila, which resembles I. spuria, but is generally robuster, often pale yellow/white and does reach 30" or more.    It should have 44 chromosomes, instead of spurias 38.  It blooms earlier than the other spurias, typically with the tall beardeds.

Part of the reason many of these Iris are difficult to seperate is their genetic variation.  They appear physically similar, but are genetically dissimilar.  Apparently, as with many iris species, they are actively evolving and speciating.  At this point in time an accurate reference is not available.  One must search the library and internet for bits of information and make an educated guess in most cases.  You should try crossing this plant with the possible I. carthaliniae, also 44 chromosomes.  If you get full pods, you at least know they are compatable and genetically close.  If there are few seeds or no pods, then the ploidies are most likely different.

Hope this helps a bit,

-- 
Jamie V.

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Köln (Cologne)
Germany
Zone 8 

This is still not the best of photos of this iris, but it is the best I have right now.  Yes, it is a large plant perhaps three feet. Do you still think it might be I. kerneriana?  The leaves are fairly wide perhaps up to an inch in width and the plant is tall around 30 inches.

Jim in Saskatoon

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