Iris virginica
(Blueflag Iris)
Common Names, Latin Name and Family
Common names include blue flag iris, southern blue flag, Virginia blueflag, Virginia iris, and great blue flag.
Its Latin name is Iris virginica.
It is found in the Iridaceae, or iris, family.
Form
A perennial wildflower that grows to 2 feet in height.
Leaves
Blueflag iris leaves are long and sword shaped.
Flowers
The blue flowers appear in the spring and summer.
Fruit / Seeds
Once the flowers are pollinated the seeds start to form and a large pod begins to grow. Inside the pod are chambers that hold the seeds.
Ripe seeds, and pods, are brown when they are ready to be harvested.
Habitat
It is found growing in marshes, wet pinelands, swamps and wet meadows.
Native Range
In Florida blueflag iris is found naturally occurring from Citrus County northward.
It is native to the following states: 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, and WV.
It grows in zones 3a to 9a.
Landscape Use
It is grown in full sun to part shade with average to wet soils.
Wildlife Use
Bees and beetles use the flowers as a nectar and pollen source.
Propagation
It can be grown from seeds, transplanting plants and dividing mature clumps.
When transplanting specimens remember to remove flowers and seeds so the plant can focus its energy on recovering from the move and making new roots. Keep watered until you see new growth.