Steve wrote about Iris missouriensis: Seed was usually plentiful, and we've collected it, and sent it to seed >exchanges, several times, but were never able to germinate more than the odd >one ourselves. Clearly we didn't provide the right conditions. This species is notoriously difficult to germinate. I've tried several times without success. I even tried a technique recommended by Gwen Kelaidis: you put the seeds inside a bag made out of an old nylon stocking and hang it inside the toilet tank (not the bowl!) below the water line. The theory is that the constantly changing water will wash out the germination inhibitors. After 2 weeks you plant the seeds. And then, in my experience, they sit there stubbornly for 4 years until you throw them out. However, the vast colonies of this iris growing in swales around the semi-arid West suggest that it does indeed seed readily in the wild. Jane McGary Northwestern Oregon, USA