David July

Blackberry lily flower (Iris domestica) covered in rainwater droplets at Bok Tower Gardens (1929).

1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida: 23 May 2015

part of the Bok Tower Gardens 2015 album

A plant of many names, Iris domestica is a herbaceous perennial native to parts of Asia and now found here in several central and eastern states. It is commonly known as blackberry lily — for the seed clusters it produces in late summer — as well as leopard lily and leopard flower. Additional scientific name synonyms include Belamcanda chinensis and Gemmingia chinensis.

This specimen of blackberry lily flower on the grounds of Bok Tower Gardens was freshly covered in rainwater droplets. The showers this day were brief and localized, just enough to sprinkle the gardens but not enough to keep us from exploring.

David July

David July