(Iris spp.)
The Iris Family (Iridaceae)
Wetland plant with bright green linear leaves forming a fan from base, an underground stem (rhizome). Large, colorful flowers bloom along stalk formed at growth tip of rhizome.
Habitat:
Swampy, boggy areas.
Interesting Facts:
A unique group of native iris that interbreed only with each other, creating hybrids which occur naturally or man-made in many colors - blue, purple, red, yellow, pink, gold, brown, lavender and white. Louisiana State wildflower. Dormant in summer with growth cycle commencing in fall.
Fruit:
2-6” elongated, three chambered pod containing many corklike seeds.
Flower:
Arising from a stalk with several sheath leaves, the blooms consisting of six floral segments in two sets are on average 3-6” in size having 4 to 8 blooms per stalk which open at different times from February to May.
Wildlife value:
Hummingbirds, butterflies and insects attracted to nectar-rich flowers.
Bud
Flower
Leaf type:
N/A
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 12.00-36.00 inches
Where to find Louisiana Iris on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WET - Wetland Trail 8.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.