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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Iris virginica L.
Virginia iris, Great Blue Flag, Southern blueflag
Iridaceae (Iris Family)
USDA Symbol: IRVI
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A southern wetland species occurring from Virginia to Florida and Texas, Iris virginica is 2 feet (60 cm) tall with bright green leaves that often lie on the ground or water.
Southern Blueflag is a member of the iris family (family Iridaceae) which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks. Flowers: usually radially symmetrical; calyx has 3 petal-like sepals; corolla has 3 petals; stamens 3. All these parts are attached at top of ovary. Leaves: simple, alternate, folded and overlapping one another at the base and aligned in two rows. Fruit: capsule. There are about 60 genera and 1,500 species, distributed in temperate and tropical regions. Among them, Iris, Freesia, Gladiolus, Bugle Lily, and Montbretia are popular ornamentals. Saffron dye is obtained from Crocus, and essence of violets, used in perfumes, is extracted from the rhizomes of Iris.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Green, Brown
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , BlueBloom Time: May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DC , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WVCanada: ON
Native Distribution: Coastal Plain from s.e. VA to TX
Native Habitat: Marshes; wet pinelands; swamps; wet meadows
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Southern blue flag is an ideal plant for edges of ponds, lily pools or drainage ditches. I. shrevei is the northern variety of this species.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: High
Propagation
Description: Clump division is the usual method of increase. Divide in early fall when the leaves begin to turn yellow. Keep stringy roots attached to the stubby rhizome sections. If propagation is to made by seed, sow immediately in an outdoor seed bed. SeedlingsSeed Collection: Storage of iris seed greatly reduces viability.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Iris virginica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Iris virginica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Iris virginica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2013-06-15Research By: NPC
