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| Photos © Kim Hosen; Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Nokesville VA; August 2008 Text by Kristen Hughes |
Dwarf Crested Iris Iris cristata, more commonly known as the Dwarf Crested Iris, is a small, ground cover perennial found in the wooded uplands of the southern and midwestern regions of the United States. This Iris is named ‘Dwarf’ due to its low-growing tendencies and size that is smaller than other iris varieties. Like other iris, the Dwarf Crested Iris has narrow, sword-like green leaves and bluish-purple, or sometimes white, flowers with three petals. The sepal of the flowers possess a yellow or white center surrounded by a purple band with crested ridges known as ‘beards’. The Dwarf Crested Iris blooms in early spring, usually from March to May. Hummingbirds and bees are especially attracted to the Dwarf Crested Iris’s flowers. The Dwarf Crested Iris only grows to 4” or 6” tall. It grows best in rich, well drained, acidic soil and is drought tolerant. In addition, it prefers part shade to shade. The Dwarf Crested Iris has a tightly knit root system that does a great job of holding soil in place, making it a great plant to grow on slopes. Though the roots are useful on sloped terrain, the roots are highly poisonous to humans and livestock. The flower of the Iris has long been seen as a symbol of power with the three petals representing wisdom, faith and courage. |