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Butterfly-flower

How to identify Butterfly-flower (Iris japonica)

Butterfly-flower

Butterfly-flower is a herbaceous perennial with rhizomatous growth, featuring an evergreen presence in suitable environments. The leaves elegantly arch, forming a groundcover that rapidly expands its territory. Spring ushers in a flourish of ornamental flowers, predominantly showcasing hues ranging from pristine white through delicate pale blue, to vibrant purple. These blossoms, emerging from April to May, have a unique crested appearance. Each flower is held distinctively above the foliage, making them a striking visual during their peak bloom period.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Butterfly-flower

1

Long, sword-shaped basal leaves with glossy upper side and light green underside.

2

Flowers ranging from pale blue to purple to white, with vibrant yellow or orange crests.

3

Distinctive upright stems, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, branching near the top.

4

Ornamental flowers held above foliage, each about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.

5

Spring blooms feature unique crested appearance, adding color from April to May.

Butterfly-flowerButterfly-flowerButterfly-flowerButterfly-flowerButterfly-flower

Detailed Traits of Butterfly-flower

Leaf Features

Butterfly-flower has sword-shaped, arching green basal leaves ranging from 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) long. The margins are entire, providing a smooth, uninterrupted edge, and the leaves exhibit a glossy appearance on the upper side while the underside is a light, dull green. This juxtaposition creates a distinctive texture and color contrast. The leaves' structure is a key identifying feature for this plant.

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Flower Features

Butterfly-flower produces exquisite flowers ranging from pale blue to purple to white, each measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. These blooms are distinguished by their vibrant yellow or orange crests. Each flower consists of three large sepals, known as 'falls,' and three inner, smaller petals, mimicking an orchid's appearance. The flowers have a striking aesthetic with no noticeable scent. These lovely blooms typically appear from April to May, adding a splash of color to gardens.

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Stem Features

The thin green stems of butterfly-flower are upright and typically range from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) in height. They are smooth in texture and display a cylindrical shape. The stems possess a sturdy but slender structure, with occasional branching near the top. The color is a vibrant green, providing a striking contrast to the plant's foliage. These stems tend to have a flexible yet firm quality, enabling them to support the delicate blooms of butterfly-flower.

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Butterfly-flower and Their Similar Plants

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Yellow flag vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) is a flowering perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. In temperate climates throughout the globe, yellow flag is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Yellow flag contains the toxin tannin and can irritate the skin. It's considered and invasive aquatic species.
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Blackberry lily (Iris domestica) is a herbaceous perennial that grows from 61 to 91 cm tall. The leaves of the plant grow in fans, similar to those of a gladiolus. It is also called a leopard lily due to its big orange flowers. The blooms are showy and will blossom from summer to early fall. It needs full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
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Northern blue flag iris vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
The northern blue flag iris is considered a wetland species, which means it plants well near pond or lake edges, in water meadows, and near other water features. It can tolerate being in standing water that is less than 15 cm deep and can be completely submerged for a short time. The northern blue flag iris is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant that grows 10 to 79 cm high.
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Siberian iris vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
Siberian iris is an exceptional beauty with its bluish-purple flower petals and long, strappy green foliage. Historically, this flower symbolized the royal families and monarchs. Despite its elegance, this plant possesses low toxicity characteristics that plant enthusiasts should nevertheless be mindful of.
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Roast-beef plant vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
Roast-beef plant (Iris foetidissima), also known as stinking iris, is a perennial flowering plant of the iris family. Native to Europe, it got its common name for the smell of its leaves when crushed. Although the flower is pretty, the plant's red berry clusters are considered the most attractive aspect of the plant.
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Japanese Iris vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
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Netted iris vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
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Dwarf crested iris vs. Butterfly-flower: What's The Difference?
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Key Facts About Butterfly-flower

Attributes of Butterfly-flower
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
25 cm to 80 cm
Spread
30 cm to 1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
4 cm to 6 cm
Flower Color
Purple
White
Yellow
Blue
Orange
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Butterfly-flower

Family
Iris
Icon allow
Genus
Irises
Icon allow
Species
Butterfly-flower (Iris japonica)
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Distribution Map of Butterfly-flower

Butterfly-flower is a flowering plant native to East Asia, prevalent in temperate regions. This species has spread, both naturally and through cultivation, to parts of Southeast Asia and Southern Europe. While its original habitat remains its stronghold, butterfly-flower has been successfully introduced and cultivated in a few other locales reflecting a modest expansion beyond its indigenous range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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