Iris versicolor
(Northern Blue Flag)

Other pictures of this plant:


               Seedpod                                           Leaf                                            Stem                                        Seed                                          Habit

Facts About this Plant:

    Common Names: Northern Blue Flag, Blue Flag, Harlequin Blue Flag, Larger Blue Flag, Poison Flag
    Lifespan: Perennial
    Zones: 3 - 9
    Type: Forb
    Bloom Time: May - June
    Status: Native
    Range:

Iris versicolor, or Northern Blue Flag, is native to the northeastern quarter of the United States. It grows in moist to wet areas, like swamp margins, ditches, lakeshores and fens. It blooms in late spring and early summer with purple and yellow flowers.

This is one of a number of Iris species throughout the US. It has a limited natural range of the northeastern quater of the US, which can help identify it. The most similar species that occurs within its range is Iris virginica. Thw two grow in the same habitat and bloom around the same time, but Iris virginica has a strong gold-yellow center, while Iris versicolor does not. Additionally, Iris versicolor is usually much darker in color. More information will be posted later on other species. Please see photo below for a comparison.

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