Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Iris

Species:

Iris cristata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

1-2 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade, Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

White, Blue, Purple

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers shaded woodland areas

Germination Information