I'm late to the party too! Welcome Liz!
You asked about what to look for when comparing irises. The others have mentioned all the initial items to check. Then you start looking at the details in the photos like the color and style of the style arms, the colors on the ribs of the standards, the haft marks near to top of the falls, the layers of color on the beards (and the length and shape), the length and shape of the falls,....etc.
You can tell a lot from a good picture but you have to remember that not all irises have been registered, of the registered irises the database has a limited number with photos (especially when it comes to the older varieties), and there are variations due to climate, soil, lighting, etc.
So the only way to be really sure of an identification is to narrow down the possibilities then get rhizomes of the top one or two from a reputable source and grow them next to your Noid iris. Then you can compare bloom time, height, color, etc. You can actually tear the pieces of the blossoms apart and compare them side by side. Others have shown pictures of this process but I don't have any photos to share.
In the meantime take a look at the photos people are posting in the database. If you want the best chance to ID your irises be sure to get down to the level of the flower and get a picture of all the details in the center of the flower. That will make it much easier for us to try to help you!
Glad you decided to join in!! You will find the people here to be kind, knowledgeable, helpful, funny, and great enablers!!!
