Status in Florida: Native
Size at Maturity: Blue Flag Iris typically grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of about 2 to 4 feet tall.
Phenology: Perennial herb with long, sword-like leaves and showy blue to purple flowers with yellow markings that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Life Cycle: Perennial
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Texture: Moist to wet soils; often found in marshes, swamps, and along stream banks
Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
Moisture Requirements: Requires consistently moist to wet soil; tolerant of periodic flooding
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wetland gardens, rain gardens, pond margins, stream banks, naturalized areas
Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; prune back as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage; may benefit from occasional division to control size and rejuvenate plant vigor
Considerations: Blue Flag Iris is highly attractive to pollinators and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.
Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
Edible: While Blue Flag Iris is not typically consumed by humans, certain Native American tribes historically used the rhizomes for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal Uses: Historically used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for various purposes, including as a poultice for wounds and as a treatment for skin conditions.
Toxicity to Pets: The plant is considered toxic if ingested in large quantities and may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.
Florida Native Companion Plant: Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), Fireflag (Thalia geniculata)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Provides shelter and nesting sites for small amphibians, such as frogs and toads, in its dense clumps of foliage. Serves as a host plant for several butterfly species, including the beautiful Southern Pearly Eye.