Blue iris (Iris spuria, Sp. Pl.: 39 (1753))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 39 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Iris

Vegetable: False

Observations: NC. & C. Europe to Iran

Description

The Blue Iris, known scientifically as Iris spuria, is a captivating species that belongs to the Iridaceae family. First documented in 1753 by L., this elegant flower can be found across a broad geographical range, from North and Central Europe to the reaches of Iran.

Noted for its striking blue petals, the Blue Iris is a perennial plant that adds a touch of natural beauty to meadows, gardens, and wetlands. The species has become a favorite among horticulturalists and gardeners not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust and resilient nature.

The Blue Iris thrives in a variety of environments, demonstrating adaptability that allows it to flourish in different terrains and climates. Its ability to withstand adverse conditions makes it an excellent choice for both wild landscapes and cultivated gardens.

In its natural habitat, the Blue Iris often forms dense clumps, creating a breathtaking display of blue hues that is both serene and striking. The vibrant flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which aid in the ecological balance of their environments.

As one of the many species within the Iris genus, Iris spuria has long been admired for its intricate beauty and the delicate structure of its flowers. Each blossom consists of intricate patterns and unique shades of blue, underscoring the diversity and splendor of the plant kingdom.

In summary, the Blue Iris is more than just a plant; it is a testament to the wonders of nature and a beloved part of both natural and cultivated landscapes. Its enduring beauty and adaptability ensure that it remains a cherished subject for botanical enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Common Names

Eng: blue iris, seashore iris, butterfly iris
Dan: blå iris
Deu: steppen-schwertlilie, wiesen-schwertlilie
Swe: dansk iris, blå svärdslilja, dansk svärdslilja
Fra: iris des steppes
Nno: dansk iris
Nob: dansk iris
Cym: gellesg glas, gellesgen las, iris las
Tur: yayla süseni
En: Blue iris, Butterfly iris, Seashore iris
Ca: Lliri espuri
Da: Blå iris
Fi: Etelänkurjenmiekka
Fr: Iris des steppes, Iris bâtard
De: Steppen-Schwertlilie, Wiesen-Schwertlilie
Nb: Dansk iris
Nn: Dansk iris
Sv: Dansk iris, Blå svärdslilja, Dansk svärdslilja
Tr: Yayla süseni
Cy: Gellesg Glas, Gellesgen Las, Iris Las

Synonyms

• Limniris spuria ((L.) Fuss)
• Xyridion spurium ((L.) Fourr.)
• Chamaeiris spuria ((L.) Medik.)
• Xiphion spurium ((L.) Alef.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• California (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 19, 2019 by jonawel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Marina (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Clarysse Leproux (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2017 by Philippe Feldmann (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 22, 2021 by Eric Hall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 27, 2021 by Fausto Honeywood (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Alix Le Corre (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Shirley Thiedig (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by Rojas Castellanos Danilo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Martine GARCIA (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean René GARCIA (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5298946)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:439117-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris spuria L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 2