Family: Iridaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 39 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Iris
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Blue Flag, known scientifically as Iris virginica, is a striking perennial plant appreciated for its captivating beauty and ecological significance. This member of the Iridaceae family boasts delicate, elongated petals that display a rich palette of blue and violet hues, often accented with intricate patterns of white and yellow near the center.
First described in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Iris virginica has been a subject of fascination for botanists and gardeners alike. It typically thrives in wetland habitats, making it a common sight from Eastern Canada down through Central and Eastern regions of the United States. The Blue Flag prefers marshes, swamps, and the peripheries of ponds and streams, where its roots can remain consistently moist.
The Blue Flag not only enhances natural landscapes with its vibrant flowers but also plays a crucial role in local ecosystems. It provides shelter and food for various insects and bird species, contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat. Gardeners often favor this plant for its low-maintenance characteristics and its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Overall, Iris virginica symbolizes a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and ecological importance, making it a cherished species in both wild and cultivated settings.
Common Names
Eng: blue flag, southern blue flag, virginia iris, virginia blue flag
Swe: flaggiris
Fra: iris de virginie
En: Blue flag, Southern blue flag, Virginia iris, Virginia blue flag
Fr: Iris de Virginie
Sv: Flaggiris
Synonyms
- Limniris shrevei ((Small) M.B.Crespo, Mart.-Azorín & Mavrodiev)
- Iris convoluta (Raf.)
- Iris georgiana (Britton)
- Iris versicolor var. shrevei ((Small) B.Boivin)
- Iris caroliniana (S.Watson)
- Iris versicolor f. virginica ((L.) Voss)
- Xiphion virginicum ((L.) Alef.)
- Iris versicolor var. virginica ((L.) Baker)
- Iris shrevei (Small)
- Limniris virginica ((L.) Rodion.)
- Iris virginica var. shrevei ((Small) E.S.Anderson)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 19, 2015 by EOL − randomrover88 (cc-by)
Taken May 15, 2021 by Jon Jackson (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Jesse Degnan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 3, 2022 by vickie templeton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Collier-Vickers Charlotte (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2022 by Brad Kelley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Tanya Fedor (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 5, 2009 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Jesse Degnan (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5298008)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:439249-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris virginica L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 4.8