Yes, they are. The theory is that the seed pods rob energy from the roots and you will get less bloom next year if you allow them to remain on the plant.

But you could let one go ahead and turn brown and collect the seed inside. Plant them immediately and you'll have interesting blooms in a couple of years.

I have the same thing w/my tulips, is the same true.

@Dianne - I'm so glad you asked that question about the "pods" forming on the Iris. Since I'm a bit farther north, my Iris are just coming into full bloom now so no pods yet. I've always wondered if I was supposed to whack them off or what? Mostly I don't bother and my Iris are just as full and lush as ever. SOOOOO, it's a little confusing. If you can plant the seeds from the pods but it's the rhizomes that you need to divide in order to propagate . . . . ...»

I have had MANY iris's over the years and have NEVER seen these pods. Interesting. Thank you for sharing.

Yes, just as the rose will put out rose hips if you do not dead head the plant, so will the iris.I have never tried to plant any because Iris's are propogated by rhizomes...

I do believe these are seed pods, I've never let mine develope.

Yep those are seed pods alright.

seed pods

wrap cheesecloth around them and let dry on there then you can remove the cheesecloth and have your seeds ready to plant

careful not to let the seeds fall and germinate, if you have other irises in the same bed you could cross polinate risking losing the original one later on

never seen this with any of my irises. peculiar

I would think its seed pods but yet it may be another bloom. Not sure

yes they are seed pods

Break them open and spinkle some in your garden. All you got to do is water.and they will come up.