Tag: Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica)

Blackberry Lilies

October 5, 2026

Over the years I have realized it is important to plant things in my yard and gardens that are native. This is something that is very important to me, and yet, I do allow myself, from time to time, to stray from that dedication. Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica) is one of those exceptions. Not native here, but native to central and eastern Asia.

It has been growing here in my yard for many many years, giving me delight as it goes through its many stages of life. This photo, above, shows its seed stage. Those pods open as the seeds become ready, revealing why it is called Blackberry Lily.

Thomas Jefferson recorded planting Blackberry Lily seeds in a flower bed at Monticello in 1807. He noted that he received the seeds from Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon.

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Why The Name – Blackberry Lily?

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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