Betsy Anderson came across this unusual Douglas Iris a few weeks ago. I never seen an Iris with four petals.

Amy Ruegg took a look at Betsy's photo and wrote, “This Iris looks to me to be a deformed Douglas Iris with extra tepals. In horticulture, cultivating for more petals than normal in a flower is desirable. I have seen this happen in other species on occasion. I have also seen an unusual trillium with four leaves. Perhaps it’s the four leaf clover of the Iris blossom!”

Here's a look at a "normal" Douglas Iris, taken by Craig Tooley.

It's possible the warm weather we had this past winter might have prompted this anomaly. Here's a look at the Trillium Amy mentioned.

Sometimes Mother Nature is just having fun! Thanks to Betsy, Amy and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Clouds are pouring in as another storm is headed our way. Precursor showers arrived late this afternoon. My season to date rain total is 46.60 inches. A "normal" year is 50 inches so things are looking good here on the Mendonoma Coast.