2013 Sydney B. Mitchell Medal Winners "Hidden Asset" and "Lines that Rhyme"

By Renee Fraser

The Pacific Coast Native irises "Hidden Asset" and "Lines that Rhyme"  share the honor of being awarded the Sydney B. Mitchell Medal this year.

This medal is restricted to Pacific Coast Native (PCN) irises. It is named in honor of Sydney B. Mitchell (1878-1951).

On the AIS Awards Page, Clarence Mahan tells us the history of the award:

"Tom Craig wrote this of him: 'Sydney [Mitchell] looked upon plant breeding as a long term international effort in which individuals from all over the world should co-operate and add generation after generation to a real human achievement. He made me feel a real part of this and more particularly a part of a special work started by William Mohr and carried on by himself. Sydney generously gave flowers and plants of seedling for further encouragement with this work.'"

Furthermore, Mahan writes that "Mitchell was also interested in the native irises of the West Coast, and promoted them at every opportunity. He took great pride in the plantings of PCNs in his own garden. He had a large collection of various forms of I . innominata and I. douglasiana."  

The description of "Hidden Asset" from the AIS Encyclopedia:

'Hidden Asset' (Duane Meek, R. 2003) Sdlg. P7. CA, 12" (31 cm), EM S. light mahogany veined darker, rim tan; style arms tan, slight pinkish cast; F. deep red veined darker, rim tan, brushed tan blaze with red veining, light streak from signal to near edge. ('Ohlone' x 'Upper Echelon') X ('Native Warrior' x 'Pacific Moon'). Wildwood Gardens 2003. Honorable Mention 2008; Award of Merit 2010; Mitchell Medal 2013.

"Hidden Asset" Photo credit Wildwood Gardens

And the following on "Lines that Rhyme":

'Lines That Rhyme' (Joseph Ghio, R. 2002) Sdlg. CP-110H. CA, 13" (33 cm), ML. S. gold with brown veining; F. gold, brown lines and dots radiating to wide brown rim, signal violet tan. 'Rancho Corralitos' X PB-207L: ('Jacks Are Wild' x ('Charter Member' sib x 'Rainbow Connection')). Bay View 2003. HM 2008, AM 2010; Mitchell Medal 2013.

"Lines that Rhyme" AIS Encyclopedia

To find out more information on Pacific Coast Native Irises, please visit the Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris website.