Herbaceous flowering plant growing up to 2.5 feet tall
Leaves are gray to green, lanceolate leaves.
Perennial
Requires moist soil to grow, but it does well in most sun conditions. Also does well in anthropogenic habitats.
Causes minor, temporary skin irritation if eaten. May cause vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy if sap is inegested.
Obligate (OBL) Wetland Indicator Status
Hardiness zones 3-9
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
It is a common heraldic symbol desired for its beautiful, intricate flower; it is the state flower of Tennessee and provincial flower of Quebec. It is also related to the Florentine iris (Iris florentina), the species depicted in the fluer-de-lis such as on the French royal standard and the Florentine coat of arms.
The tripartite flower is said to represent power, with each part representing characterstics of leaders - wisdom, faith and courage respectively.
It is sometimes used as a "magic plant" which is believed to gant financial gain if it is carried around or placed in a cash register.
Specimen photographed found at Lost Lake, Groton, Massachusetts. Part of the Shoreline Plants assignment (10/20/2021)
Plant History and Etymology
The genus name and common name Iris come from the Ancient Greek Ἶρις (Îris), meaning "messenger of the gods". The specific epithet versicolor means "color changing" or "of various colors" in Latin. Flag irises been seen as a symbol of power in ancient cultures throughout Europe, and it is believed by some that King Clovis I of Frankia had an iris on his banner, which is a common folk explanation for the name. Iris versicolor was long considered a diuretic, used to "remove humor from the system", as described in the 1852 Ladies' Indespensible Assistant. Drugs such as Iridin and Irisin are still used today.
Design Considerations
The blue flag iris is an extremely showy plant, with vibrant blue and purple flowers with intricate petals. It has six petals, three falling and three erect. It makes a great ornamental plant, as a centerpiece or wetland planting. It is currently threatened by competition with the Iris pseudoacorus, an invasive relative which has naturalized in the US and grows vigorously.
Sources
Wikipedia Contributors. 2021. “Iris Versicolor.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. August 1, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_versicolor.
“Iris Versicolor (Blue Iris): Go Botany.” 2021. Nativeplanttrust.org. 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/iris/versicolor/.
“USDA Plants Database.” 2021. Usda.gov. 2021. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=IRVE2.
“Iris Versicolor (Harlequin Blueflag, Large Blue Iris, Larger Blue Flag Iris, Northern Blue Flag) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-versicolor/.
Old Farmer's Almanac. 2021. “Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers.” Old Farmer’s Almanac. 2021. https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.
“Blue Flag | Iris Versicolor.” 2018. Wildadirondacks.org. 2018. https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-wildflowers-blue-flag-iris-versicolor.html#:~:text=Blue%20Flag%20(Iris%20versicolor)%20is,blue%20flowers%20in%20early%20summer.&text=Iris%20flowers%20are%20said%20to,representing%20wisdom%2C%20faith%20and%20courage
Cunningham, S. (1985). Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications..