Blue Flag Iris
Iris versicolor
Iridaceae Family

Iris versicolor, more commonly known as the Blue Flag Iris, is an herbaceous flowering perennial found in marshes, swamps and wet meadows of the eastern region of the United States. The name ‘Flag’ comes from the middle English word “flagge,” which meant rush or reed.

The Blue Flag Iris produces tall flowering stalks that grow up from clumps of sword shaped blue-green leaves. At the top of the stalks, three to five bluish-purple flowers with purple veining bloom in late spring, usually from May to June. The sepal of the flowers has a yellow center surrounded by a white band that blends into the bluish-purple color of the remaining length of the petal. These lovely spring flowers attract bumble bees, long horned bees, butterflies, skippers and humming birds.

The flowering stalks of the Blue Flag Iris reaches a height of 24” to 36” at maturity. The Blue Flag Iris grows best in wet, acidic soil and likes full sun to part shade.

The iris, or ‘fleur de lis’, has long been a symbol of the kings of France and is France’s national symbol. It was first adopted as an emblem for French kings in the 6th century by King Clovis, who, during battle, saw iris growing along the river bank. He knew that the iris meant shallow water, so he led his troops across the river to evade the enemy and thus ultimately won the battle. To symbolize his great victory, Clovis changed the image on his shield to an iris.