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Iris cristata

Previously known as:

  • Evansia cristata
  • Iris glumacea
  • Iris odorata
Phonetic Spelling
EYE-riss kris-TAY-tah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Dwarf crested Iris is a native species in the Iridaceae (iris) family that grows in North Carolina. It reaches only 4-9 inches tall and spreads to form a groundcover in its native peaty woodland habitat. It offers an early perennial spring bloom in partly shady areas and grows well in rock gardens and woodland sites.  Following the blooms, the foliage is useful as a ground cover in the woodland shade.

This plant grows best in partial sun to partial shade, preferring rich, well-drained soil but  also grows in the difficult-to-manage dry shade. A too rich soil will encourage foliage growth and no blooms. It can tolerate full sun but needs more moisture. Use this plant for a ground cover in partly shady areas of rock gardens, woodland sites or in a perennial border.  It is resistant to damage by deer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and snails are occasional problems.

 

More information on Iris.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Courtyard Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Alba', 'Caerulea', 'Eco White Angel', 'Shenandoah Sky',
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#drought tolerant#pink flowers#spring flowers#fire low flammability#NC native#large flowers#groundcover#naturalizes#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#native wildflower#flowers late spring#food source summer#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#dry soils tolerant#mammals#butterfly friendly#partial shade tolerant#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#dry shade#flowers midspring#perennial#wildflower#herb garden#wildlife friendly#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Alba', 'Caerulea', 'Eco White Angel', 'Shenandoah Sky',
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#drought tolerant#pink flowers#spring flowers#fire low flammability#NC native#large flowers#groundcover#naturalizes#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#native wildflower#flowers late spring#food source summer#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#dry soils tolerant#mammals#butterfly friendly#partial shade tolerant#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#dry shade#flowers midspring#perennial#wildflower#herb garden#wildlife friendly#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Iris
    Species:
    cristata
    Family:
    Iridaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    N. Central & E. U.S.A.
    Distribution:
    AL , AR , DC , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and bumblebees.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Brown capsule. Displays from June to July.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are iris-like in blue, purple or white with a white patch and orange or yellow crest. Blooms from April to May.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    6 inch long pointed, bright green, sword-shaped leaves with paler undersides.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Small Mammals
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Fire
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Nausea, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap. It causes only low toxicity if eaten. Skin irritation lasts for a few minutes. Highest concentration in rhizomes
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin), Irisin, iridin, or irisine
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds