This petite woodland species emerges in early spring with a refreshing palette of bright green, sword-shaped leaves and large, bluish-purple flowers with white patches and yellow crested ridges. It typically grows 4 to 9” tall and spreads rapidly to form dense colonies in part sun and well-drained, average or rich soils. Soils that are overly rich may produce excess foliage and few blooms. The iris tolerates full sun with a bit more moisture and will also grow in dry shade, making it a great groundcover for partly shaded rock gardens, woodland sites, and perennial borders. When massed, it displays a stunning drift of color. Warning: the plant is poisonous to humans, pets, and horses. To avoid skin irritation, wear gloves when handling the plant.
Height: 4-16” tall and 6-12” wide.
Sun: Full to part sun; tolerates nearly full shade.
Soil: well-drained, average to rich soils. Tolerates dry soils.
Wildlife Value: April-May blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Resistant to deer.
Full profile to come soon!
Iris, Dwarf-Crested, Iris cristata
We happily purchase or trade other plant material for locally gathered native seeds. Please provide pictures of the mature plant if possible, ideally fruiting or flowering for best ID.