Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Rabbitear iris

How to identify Rabbitear iris (Iris laevigata)

Rabbitear iris

Rabbitear iris exhibits distinctive narrow leaves, gracefully arching, that can reach up to 28 inches (70 cm) in length. It produces elegant, deep blue to purple flowers, with three dropping petals contrasted by a set of three smaller, upright ones. The blooms appear on tall stems, typically 2 to 3 feet high (60 to 90 cm), and offer a noteworthy display from late spring until midsummer. The rhizomatous structure of rabbitear iris allows it to thrive in moist conditions, which is notable among iris species.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Rabbitear iris

1

Elegant deep blue to purple flowers with 3 dropping and 3 smaller upright petals.

2

Distinctive narrow leaves, gracefully arching, up to 28 inches (70 cm) long.

3

Rhizomatous structure thriving in moist conditions, unique among iris species.

4

Flowers showy with vibrant purple hue, 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

5

Leaves strap-shaped, 2 feet (60 cm) long, lacking noticeable midrib, sleek appearance.

Rabbitear irisRabbitear irisRabbitear irisRabbitear irisRabbitear iris

Detailed Traits of Rabbitear iris

Leaf Features

The leaves of rabbitear iris are narrow, strap-shaped, and upright, measuring around 2 feet (60 cm) in length. These leaves have entire (smooth, unbroken) margins and are erect in their growth habit. Unlike many Irises, they lack a pronounced midrib, contributing to a sleek and streamlined appearance. The leaves are typically a vibrant green, with a smooth texture and no prominent vein pattern, making them distinctively elegant and easy to identify.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of rabbitear iris are showy and striking with a vibrant purple hue. They have a broad width of about 4 inches (10 cm), making them quite prominent in any garden. Each bloom consists of three large, downward-curving falls and three smaller, upright standards, creating a distinct and elegant appearance. These flowers emerge in late spring and extend through early summer, with occasional reblooming in the fall. Their visually captivating presence is a highlight during their blooming periods.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Rabbitear iris and Their Similar Plants

Img topic
Yellow flag vs. Rabbitear iris: 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Blackberry lily vs. Rabbitear iris: What's The Difference?
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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Northern blue flag iris vs. Rabbitear iris: 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Siberian iris vs. Rabbitear iris: 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Roast-beef plant vs. Rabbitear iris: 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Japanese Iris vs. Rabbitear iris: What's The Difference?
The japanese Iris is a flowering perennial aquatic plant in purple, blue, and white. Native to parts of Asia, it is easy to care for and grows well in wet conditions. This plant thrives in ponds and water features in full sun to partial shade.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Netted iris vs. Rabbitear iris: What's The Difference?
Iris reticulata is prized as a hardy, early bloomer by many gardeners in the world. Native to Turkey, Russia, and the Caucasus, but cultivated worldwide, this dwarf netted iris blooms in late winter or early spring. The delicate-looking flowers of netted iris sometimes even emerge from the snow, but they're so hardy that they remain intact in snow and frost.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Butterfly-flower vs. Rabbitear iris: What's The Difference?
Native to China and Japan, butterfly-flower, or Iris japonica, is commonly cultivated in gardens in both the United States and the United Kingdom. This beautiful flowering perennial is considered poisonous, and even handling the plant can cause skin irritation.
Read More
Arrow
Identify Rabbitear iris easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Rabbitear iris

Attributes of Rabbitear iris
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
80 cm
Spread
50 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
8 cm to 15 cm
Flower Color
Blue
Purple
White
Fruit Color
Brown
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Rabbitear iris

Family
Iris
Icon allow
Genus
Irises
Icon allow
Species
Rabbitear iris (Iris laevigata)
Learn More About the Rabbitear iris

Distribution Map of Rabbitear iris

The plant rabbitear iris originates from temperate regions of Eastern Asia and has naturally spread across a continuous expanse from far eastern edges to the northeastern territories. Rabbitear iris has been introduced and cultivated in island nations and western regions known for temperate climates. Its cultivation is widespread, extending beyond its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app