Marin Iris
Iris douglasiana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Iris douglasiana (Marin Iris) is a native California and Oregon wildflower that blooms March through May with purple flowers. This adaptable iris thrives in partial shade and attracts bees and butterflies.
Marin Iris is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Marin iris is an elegant native perennial with attractive sword-like evergreen foliage. It produces showy purple, lavender, or occasionally white flowers in spring, creating a refined accent in partially shaded gardens.
Growing Marin Iris
Grow Marin Iris in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marin Iris is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May need occasional grooming to remove spent flower stalks
Wildlife value
Marin iris flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its spring bloom period, providing valuable early-season nectar.
Common questions
- When does Iris douglasiana bloom?
- Marin Iris typically blooms from March through May, producing showy purple flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Iris douglasiana?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Marin Iris, attracted to its spring blooms.
- Where is Iris douglasiana native?
- Marin Iris is native to California and Oregon, where it grows naturally in coastal and foothill regions.
- What growing conditions does Iris douglasiana prefer?
- This adaptable iris tolerates a range of light conditions from partial sun to shade and can handle varying moisture levels from wet to dry soils once established.
- Is Marin Iris toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Marin Iris is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Marin Iris toxic to cats?
- Yes. Marin Iris is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Marin Iris HOA-friendly?
- Marin Iris is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Marin Iris and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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