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Northern blue flag iris

How to identify Northern blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)

Northern blue flag iris, also known as Harlequin blueflag, Poison flag

Northern blue flag iris exhibits striking perennial features, including sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length. Its vibrant flowers are a mix of blue, purple, and yellow hues, showcasing the 'many-colored' aspect implied by its specific epithet. Blooms typically have six petal-like structures, with three upright standards and three downward-bending falls, displaying a striking symmetry. The bold flowers and contrasting patterns make northern blue flag iris a distinct species among its genus, easily recognizable by its unique and varied coloration.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Northern blue flag iris

1

Sword-shaped leaves up to 3 feet (90 cm) long.

2

Flowers with 6 petal-like structures, blue, purple, and yellow hues.

3

Distinct flowers with 3 upright standards and 3 downward-bending falls.

4

Large flowers up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, in varied colors.

5

Leaves blue-green, sword-like, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and glossy.

Northern blue flag irisNorthern blue flag irisNorthern blue flag irisNorthern blue flag irisNorthern blue flag iris

Detailed Traits of Northern blue flag iris

Leaf Features

The leaves of northern blue flag iris are blue-green, sword-like, measuring up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. They exhibit entire margins and can either stand upright or arch slightly. The texture is smooth, and the leaves have a slightly glossy appearance. These distinctive features, along with their elongated, narrow shape, are key for identifying this plant.

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Flower Features

The flowers of northern blue flag iris are large, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, and feature 6 distinct parts. They comprise 3 outer, spreading or pendent 'falls', and 3 inner, erect 'standards'. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and exhibit various colors. They are found in groups of 1 to several (3-5) on a naked stalk that can reach up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall. These striking blooms are essential for the identification of northern blue flag iris.

Northern blue flag iris Flower image
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Northern blue flag iris and Their Similar Plants

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Yellow flag vs. Northern blue flag 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.
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Blackberry lily vs. Northern blue flag 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.
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Siberian iris vs. Northern blue flag 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.
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Roast-beef plant vs. Northern blue flag 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.
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Japanese Iris vs. Northern blue flag 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.
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Netted iris vs. Northern blue flag 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.
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Endemic to the eastern US, the dwarf crested iris is a species of irises that has pale lavender flowers with an orange or yellow crest. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. Flowers are fragrant.
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Key Facts About Northern blue flag iris

Attributes of Northern blue flag iris
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 80 cm
Spread
60 cm to 75 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Silver
Flower Size
8 cm to 9 cm
Flower Color
Blue
Purple
White
Violet
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Stem Color
Green
Purple
Blue
The Toxicity of Northern blue flag iris
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Scientific Classification of Northern blue flag iris

Family
Iris
Icon allow
Genus
Irises
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Species
Northern blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
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Distribution Map of Northern blue flag iris

Northern blue flag iris is native to North America, where it thrives in wetlands and around water margins. It has been introduced to parts of Northern and Central Europe, reflecting a successful adaptation to various temperate climates. Additionally, northern blue flag iris is cultivated in garden settings for its ornamental value, indicating a broader geographic flexibility beyond its natural range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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