In interesting iris in the garden, called a Leopard lily, Leopard flower, or Blackberry Lily (for some odd reason) Recently (2005) reclassified from species Belamcanda chinensis to Iris domestica, based on DNA analysis. Some references suggest it is hardy only in zones 8-10, other suggest that it survives and flowers reliably in zone 4.
It’s similar in appearance to a typical iris plant, with flat, sword-like leaves arranged in a fan on a small tuberous rhizome. The foliage grows to about 18” tall and the plants produce offsets. The flowers are very different in appearance from typical iris flowers though. They are at the top of 2-3 foot tall slender stems in loose, branched spikes. The flowers are 2” wide with 6 flaring petals of equal size. Flower color in the species ranges from yellow to orange, with darker (often crimson) speckles on the petals. Individual blooms are short-lived – generally lasting only a day – but the plants produce a succession of flowers over a period of several weeks in summer.
The flowers are followed by pear-shaped seed capsules that fade from green to tan. These eventually open to reveal the round, shiny black seeds arranged in clusters resembling large blackberries that give rise to the common name. The seeds remain on the stalks for several months. When left standing, the seed heads offer good winter interest, especially when viewed against a backdrop of snow. The seed heads are also a unique addition to dried flower arrangements.
And there ends today’s botanical lesson.
