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Blue Flag Iris

Blue Flag Iris

Iris virginica

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring

A native perennial iris with conspicuous purple flowers in spring. Each flower has 3 drooping sepals, called “falls”, that have white marks and yellow near the throat. Its leaves are sword shaped and erect with a bluish-green to green color.

Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Tracheophyta
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Asparagales
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Family: Iridaceae
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Genus: Iris
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Species: Iris virginica

Scientific Name

Iris virginica

Common Name

Blue Flag Iris
Plant Type
Herbaceous Plant
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
May

Ecological Role

Source of nectar for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It also helps to stabilize soil and filter water, making it a great choice for rain gardens

Active Seasons

Spring

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Native in the United States from Nebraska to the west, Florida and Texas to the south, New York to the east, and the Canadian border to the north. In Canada, it is native in Ontario and Quebec.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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