Iris virginica - Southern blue flag
Family Iridaceae

Description:

About three hundred species of Iris are native to warm parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Louisiana irises found in gardens are usually hybrids of southern blue flag and other wild irises found in the southeastern U.S. Southern blue flag is native to streamsides and wetlands of the southeastern United States. It is found naturally on the UNF campus. Showy blue flowers are held at the top of three to four foot tall stems in late spring and early summer. In north Florida, it may be evergreen or die down in winter.

 

Location:

See these plants along the edge of pond ‘H’ behind building 6 and along waterways in natural areas around campus.

Size:

Herbaceous plant with leaves about three to four feet tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part shade

Water: requires moist soil, tolerates standing water

Soil: moisture is essential, no other special requirements

This is a great plant for moist gardens or the edge of fresh water. It flowers best in full sun.