Arctic blue flag (Iris setosa, Jahrb. Gewächsk. 1(3): 71 (1820))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: Pall. ex Link

Bibliography: Jahrb. Gewächsk. 1(3): 71 (1820)

Year: 1820

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Iris

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. European Russia to N. & C. Japan, Alaska to W. Canada

Description

The Arctic blue flag, scientifically known as Iris setosa, is an exquisite flowering plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. This hardy species has a fascinating distribution range, spanning from Northern European Russia to Northern and Central Japan, and from Alaska to Western Canada.

First described in 1820, the Arctic blue flag has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. The species was officially recorded in the botanical literature known as Jahrb. Gewächsk. With its distinct mention in the first volume, third issue, on page 71, the nomenclature credits fall to Pall. ex Link.

The plant itself boasts elegant, sword-like leaves and produces striking, deep blue to violet flowers. Typically blooming in early to mid-summer, these irises are well-adapted to thrive in cold and temperate climates. They are often found gracing the edges of wetlands, riverbanks, and moist meadows, where they contribute a burst of color to the landscape.

Iris setosa is appreciated not only for its ornamental value but also for its robustness and adaptability. Given its origins in some of the harsher climates on the planet, it demonstrates significant resilience, making it a valuable species for natural and cultivated settings in similar environments.

In summary, the Arctic blue flag stands as a testament to botanical beauty and endurance, adorning the colder regions of the globe with its charming presence. Its historical documentation and broad natural habitat emphasize its significance in the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: alaska iris, arctic blue flag, arctic iris, beach-head iris, beachhead iris, mountain iris
Nno: alaskairis
Nob: alaskairis
Swe: tuviris
En: Arctic blue flag, Arctic iris, Beach-head iris, Mountain iris, Alaska iris, Beachhead iris
Zh: Shan yuan wei, 山鸢尾
Fi: Kaunokurjenmiekkä, Kaunokurjenmiekka
De: Borsten-Schwertlilie
Nb: Alaskairis
Nn: Alaskairis
Fa: زنبق نوک‌زبر
Ru: Ирис щетинистый
Sv: Tuviris

Synonyms

• Xyridion setosum ((Pall. ex Link) Klatt)
• Limniris setosa ((Pall. ex Link) Rodion.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Amur (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2019 by avster (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2019 by Andrew Peruzzi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by mirman malka (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 14, 2015 by EOL − Matt Bowser (cc-by)

Taken Jun 4, 2013 by EOL − matthew_salkiewicz (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5298796)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:439084-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris setosa Pall. ex Link)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth