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Blue-Flag Iris

Scientific name: Iris versicolor

This  native perennial is found growing in wet soil or standing water.
  • It grows from 2 to 3 feet tall in wide clumps, forming beautiful colonies.
  • It spreads through rhizomes, which are tough roots that send up sprouts.
  • The flag part of the common name derives from the middle English word flagge, meaning rush or reed.

Blue Flag Iris

Leaves

Blue-green leaves are sword shaped and up to 2 feet long and 1 inch wide.

Flowers

Blue flowers in May to June.

Habitat

Grows in medium to wet humusy soils, in full sun to part shade. This iris may be found in shallow standing water in moist shoreline soils.

Similar Species

There is also a yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus).

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