Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Plant Identification => Plant Identification Questions and Answers => Topic started by: Gerdk on May 18, 2009, 10:26:15 AM

Title: Iris species
Post by: Gerdk on May 18, 2009, 10:26:15 AM

Here are two pics of an Iris species obtained from AGS seeds. I wrote ensata on the label, is this ok?
I am not sure about the species name because the plant is somewhat low.

Gerd

Title: Re: Iris species
Post by: Paul T on May 18, 2009, 12:58:19 PM

Gerd,

I would be thinking possibly Iris laevigata, although there isn't much difference between the two species.  I have almost identical flowers to that on a laevigata.  I'm sure someone will recall the difference (I have a feeling it actually comes down to keeling on the leaves or some such?  ???), but it certainly does look to me (perhaps incorrectly) like one or the other.

Title: Re: Iris species
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 18, 2009, 10:26:39 PM

You could be right Paul though ensata varies a great deal as it has a huge range from Russia through Siberia to northern Japan etc. Ensata is what used to be I. kaempferi, the "Higo"  or Japanese iris. It tends to be very tall and stately with upright stems and foliage. Either way Gerd, this is very attractive. Like laevigata, it loves water, even growing right in it

Title: Re: Iris species
Post by: Gerdk on May 19, 2009, 07:35:35 AM

Thank you Lesley and Paul.
I grow it in a saucer filled with water - took it out only for the pic.

Gerd