Iris virginica
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-riss vir-JIN-ih-kuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
This lovely, delicate iris is native to the United States and Canada, from the east coast to the middle states as far west as Texas. It can reach 2 to 2.5 feet with light blue to violet flowers borne on naked stems in late spring. The falls are marked with white and can be crested with yellow frill. The leaves which are strap-like and have a pronounced midrib in the center are not as upright; they may lay over or fall into the water.
It does best grown in very wet, humusy to sandy soil and in boggy acidic areas in full sun. It should not be permitted to dry out in the growing season and is natural in wild areas with standing water. These iris may be left in water over winter and can be used in pond borders of up to 6 inches deep. It will tolerate light shade in the warmer regions of its range. Southern Flag Iris spreads slowly by rhizomes which can be divided for propagation as clumps form.
This iris is deer resistant and not susceptible to disease.
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Water Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- virginica
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern Canada to Central & Eastern U.S.A
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer, Diseases, Insects
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Water Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from July to September.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 1 at the top of a naked stem, 6-parted with 3 outer, spreading or pendent "falls" with white marks and yellow crests, and 3 inner, erect "standards", variously colored light blue to violet. Blooms from April to July.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Small Mammals
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- 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, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- irisin, iridin, or irisine
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
