Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Iris

Species:

Iris pumila

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

6 in - 1 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

blue, purple, yellow

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, 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:

poor, sandy, well-drained soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky and sandy habitats