White Crested Dwarf Iris Iris cristata 'Alba'
Previously known as:
- Iris cristata var. alba
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-ris kris-TAH-tuh AL-ba
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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This cultivar of Iris cristata is a dwarf crested low-growing, at 3-6 inches tall, native Iris which spreads quickly. Small white flowers with yellow-crested falls, rather than blue, are a bright addition to a dark, shady, naturalized area. Multiplying to a dense growth in conditions of rich, well-drained soil, it can create a woodland floor of color in early spring and a good groundcover through the summer. It can tolerate marshes and even shallow water, in partial to full shade. It can be planted from seed or rhizomes can be divided in the fall to propagate. Its narrow, yellowish-green leaves are shorter than standard Iris but retain the knife-edge shape.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- cristata
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Naturalizing, woodlands, rock gardens, native gardens,
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Attractive to bees and hummingbirds
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Food Source
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Small white flowers of inner erect "standards" and 3 reflexed pendent "falls" marked with yellow crests
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Sword-like
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Walkways
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Nausea, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhea, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin), Irisin, iridin, or irisine
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
