Also known as Northern Blue Flag, Harlequin Blue Flag, Larger Blue Flag, Northern Blue Iris, Large Blue Iris
Color of flowers: blue to violet-blue to purple Blooms: May to July Ecological value: attracts birds, hummingbirds, and insect pollinators
Native habitat: marshes, swamps, wet meadows, shorelines, forested wetlands, river and lake shores Sunlight: best in full sun; will tolerate partial shade Soil moisture level: moist, wet Adapted to the following soil types: moist, rich soils Drought tolerant: no Soil pH range of tolerance: acidic (less than 6.8)
Where/how to plant: can easily be grown in most gardens, even though it naturally grows in very wet conditions -We recommend that you plant this species in its native habitat, or conditions that mimic its native habitat
Notes: can grow in permanent water up to six inches deep
References Elliman, Ted, and New England Wild Flower Society. Wildflowers of New England. Timber Press, 2016.
“Iris Versicolor.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , The University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IRVE2.
USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program . “Blue Flag.” U.S. Department of Agriculture, 5 Feb. 2002.