Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica)

Thanks to inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s gardening mentor, Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon, seeds of this plant were sown at Monticello in 1807. Now, one of many favorites in my yard. In 2005 this plant was moved to the genus Iris and given its new scientific name thanks to molecular DNA sequence evidence.

Here, the seed pods of Blackberry Lily. Surely you can see why it has that name.

Something that my Granddaughter learned early on as she helped me plant the seeds — they aren’t edible.

Blackberry Lily is native to Eastern Asia and is not considered to be an invasive species. Otherwise I wouldn’t consider growing it in my yard.

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