Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Dwarf Crested Iris

Iris cristata
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Blue
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Hummingbird, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

5 to
6
inches

Spread:

10 to
12
inches
Size
Height: 5 to
6
inches
Spread: 10 to
12
inches
Size
Height: 5 to
6
inches
Spread: 10 to
12
inches
Typical Landscape Use
This is a tough plant that works well edging a shady garden or path. It is an effective, slow moving ground cover that spreads via rhizomes (underground stems). Use in borders, native plant gardens, wild gardens and shady rock gardens.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in light shade with dry to average, well-drained soil. Can be fussy. Short bloom time.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description

Blue flowers in April. Foliage is attractive all through the summer.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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