Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

A waterside and shallow water plant; the only iris native to the North Country. Distinguished from the closely related, more southerly species, Iris virginica, by its cauline (stem) leaves that often exceed the flowers whereas the cauline leaves of Iris versicolor are usually shorter than or equal to the height of the flowers. Lots more... Rook.org

A fine blue infusion is obtained from the flowers and this can be used as a litmus substitute to test for acids and alkalis. Some native North American Indian tribes used the root as a protection against rattlesnakes. It was believed that, so long as the root was handled occasionally to ensure the scent permeated the person and their clothes,
rattlesnakes would not bite them. Some tribes even used to chew the root and then hold rattlesnakes with their teeth and were not bitten so long as the scent persisted. http://www.geocities.com/nutriflip/Naturopathy/BlueFlag.html

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers rich, well-drained, loamy, peaty soils in full to partial shade. Benefits from the addition of lime and rich, organic materials. Best used in flower and water gardens, edges of ponds, and areas in which
it may naturalize.