Wild Iris

Other names

Blue Flag, Poison Flag

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Eastern Canada, South to PA and Mn.

Cultivation

Strap-shaped leaves and blue-violet flowers on 1-4' tall stalks.
Light: full sun Moisture and Soil: moist to wet

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: keep seed moist; 60-90 day cold/moist stratification.

Biocultural value

Boiled roots were crushed to make a poultice to reduce swelling and bruises and to treat burns and sores.

Wildlife value

The butterfly Papilio glaucus visits blue flag iris flowers to suck nectar, but probably does not aid in pollination. Only long-tongued bees, such as bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are efective pollinators. Several beetle species have also been observed on the flowers.

Poisonous

yes

Poisonous description

Iris rhizomes and rootstocks contain a purgative irritant, called irisin, iridin, or irisine, that causes gastroenteritis if ingested in large amounts.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Peterson Oak Grove, Bioswale Garden, Robison Herb Garden, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Salt Road Fen, Ringwood Ponds, South Hill Swamp

Source of plant

North Creek Nurseries, The Plantsmen, Busse Gardens, Jardin Botanique de Montreal, Nolin River Nut Tree Nursery, Sunny Border Nurseries

Description

Narrow gray-green leaves and purplish flowers, borne in early summer. Plants 2' tall, 1' wide.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

medicinal/pharmaceutical

Status

L3|S5|G5