Iris versicolor
Similar in appearance to the garden iris, native blue flag iris is noted for conspicuous complex violet-blue flowers with a splash of yellow on the sepal. It is found across the wetlands of the Northeast. It can tolerate being completely submerged and also grows well in most gardens spreading easily by rhizomes and self-seeding. Roots are extremely poisonous to people and livestock. The dried and powdered root is called orris, which smells like violets and has been added to perfumes. Irises attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Zone: 3-8 (Map)
Habitat: Rich, moist to wet soil, can withstand flooding. Part shade to sun.
Growth: 2 ft wide, 2-3 ft tall at maturity.
Blue flag iris’s showy flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Blue flag iris’s showy flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Iris versicolor
Similar in appearance to the garden iris, native blue flag iris is noted for conspicuous complex violet-blue flowers with a splash of yellow on the sepal. It is found across the wetlands of the Northeast. It can tolerate being completely submerged and also grows well in most gardens spreading easily by rhizomes and self-seeding. Roots are extremely poisonous to people and livestock. The dried and powdered root is called orris, which smells like violets and has been added to perfumes. Irises attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Zone: 3-8 (Map)
Habitat: Rich, moist to wet soil, can withstand flooding. Part shade to sun.
Growth: 2 ft wide, 2-3 ft tall at maturity.
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