Iris cristata Aiton

Dwarf Crested Iris; Crested Dwarf Iris

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Dwarf Crested Iris is a native herbaceous perennial in the Iris family (Iridaceae). It can be found primarily in north Alabama. Dwarf Crested Iris occurs in rich woods, along streams, in ravines, and on bluffs. It usually occurs on sites with calcareous soils. Dwarf Crested Iris is a perennial with a long, thin, cord-like rhizome. Leaves are clustered at the apex of the rhizome. The leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen, crowed into a “fan”, ensiform (sword shaped) in outline, glabrous, and with entire margins. Flowers are produced in 1-2 flowered inflorescences. They are subtended by 2 inflated leaf-like spathes. The outer spathe is shorter than the inner. Flowers have 3 sepals and 3 petals that are blue, lilac, or white in color. The 3 sepals arch outward. The sepals have an orange-yellow crested ridge down the center surrounded by white and purple. There are 3 spreading petals. The fruit is a capsule. Dwarf Crested Iris is often available from native plant nurseries. It prefers a well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Once established Dwarf Crested Iris spreads rapidly. It can be used as a low ground cover or naturalized in a wooded area.—A. Diamond

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Native

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