roots - Historic Iris Preservation Society

above: Cemetery above Central City, Colorado,
June 2006; the grave of Elizabeth A., died 1877, is
in the middle with Iris leaves clearly evident
in plenty was on and around numerous
tombs. One of the first graves was that of
the Jeffery family dying at the end of the 19 th
century -- here was Fred’s grave and that of
M.J. with iris plants growing around them.
Not far away was the collective tomb area
of the Martin family where a different iris
grew, and more irises were further over at
the grave of Elizabeth A., who had died, aged
just over one year, in 1877.
9
So, as the place dates from the late 19 th
century, it would not be unreasonable
to suggest that the plants would be
from that sort of period also. But I am
afraid I noted no other dates; I was not then
thinking of historic hybrids. I am glad to
say, though, that I did find one patch of the
species I was looking for, growing wild, not
associated with a tomb but well within the
boundaries of the cemetery.
[Editor’s note: Did you dig up a little piece of
any of the bearded iris you saw?]