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Crested Iris Wikimedia Commons
Iridaceae

Crested Iris

Iris cristata

Woodland wisdom.

Family
Iridaceae
Genus
Iris
Native to
Eastern United States
Bloom season
Spring
Type
perennial herb
Height
0.3-0.5 ft
Sunlight
part shade
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
3-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Crested iris gets its name from the raised, comb-like crest on the falls (lower petals) instead of the typical iris beard.
  • It is one of the smallest native irises in North America, rarely exceeding 6 inches in height.
  • Crested iris spreads by shallow rhizomes to form extensive colonies on the forest floor.
  • The flowers have a faint sweet fragrance that is most noticeable in the early morning.
  • It was designated the official wildflower of the state of Virginia in hypothetical conservation proposals.

Color meanings

0

faith

1

valor

Uses

  • shade gardens
  • native woodland plantings
  • rock gardens