Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Iris

Species:

Iris lacustris

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

6 in - 1 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may

Bloom Colors:

White, Yellow, Blue, Purple, Violet

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Michigan, Wisconsin, Canada: Ontario

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:

rocky, calcareous, well-drained soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers limestone-rich environments

Germination Information