How to identify Blue iris (Iris spuria)
Blue iris, also known as Butterfly iris
Blue iris is a lofty perennial reaching heights up to 5 feet (1.5 meters). This beardless iris forms dense clumps and boasts long, sword-like leaves that may extend to 4 feet (1.2 meters). Its distinctive flowers come in hues including bluish-purple, white, blue, purple, wine, and brown. Each bloom emanates from a sturdy, upright stem that elegantly supports the colorful array of petals.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Lofty perennial reaching up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) with dense clumps.
Distinctive flowers in bluish-purple, white, blue, purple, wine, and brown hues.
Oblong-ovate, hexagonal seed capsule up to 4 inches (10 cm) with beak-like appendage.
Slender, vibrant green linear leaves reaching 4 feet (120 cm) in length.
Sturdy, erect stem growing up to 5 feet (152 cm) with minimal branching.
The leaves of blue iris are slender, elongated, and narrow, characterized by a linear form. They range from 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) in length. These leaves exhibit a vibrant green color during their prime growing season. The texture is smooth, and the leaves grow upright, creating a graceful, arching appearance. Veins parallel the length, supporting their linear structure. After flowering and setting seed, the leaves die back in late summer, marking the end of their life cycle.
The flowers of blue iris are 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.7 cm) in size, featuring bluish-purple segments with falls that sometimes include a distinct yellow ridge. Color variations span white, blue, purple, wine, and brown. These flowers typically bloom from May to July. The petals of blue iris are arranged symmetrically, offering a visually appealing display suitable for identifying this species.
The stem of blue iris typically rises to 3 feet (approximately 91 cm) tall, occasionally reaching up to 5 feet (152 cm). It is characterized by a sturdy, erect profile with minimal branching. The coloration of the stem tends towards a robust green. In colder winter climates, the stalk height is often reduced. The texture of the stem is generally smooth, providing a stable support structure for the rest of the plant.
The fruit of blue iris is a distinctive oblong-ovate, hexagonal seed capsule, measuring up to 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length. It features a pronounced beak-like appendage at its apex and is decorated with six prominent, longitudinal grooves. Upon maturity, the capsule reveals its light brown, angular seeds that await dispersal. The textural contrasts and the unique hexagonal shape, along with the beak-like top, make it an identifiable characteristic of blue iris.
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Scientific Classification of Blue iris
