How to identify Southern blue flag (Iris virginica)

How to identify Southern blue flag (Iris virginica)

Southern blue flag, also known as Great blue flag

Southern blue flag typically showcases elegant flowers atop slender, green stalks about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) tall. Each blossom is characterized by three drooping petals, known as falls, marked by a striking yellow or white

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Southern blue flag

Tall stalks reach 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) high with elegant flowers at the top.

Distinct 6-parted flowers with outer white marks and inner yellow crests.

Loculicidal capsules reveal seeds, measuring 0.5-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm), in July-September.

Strap-like green leaves up to 3 feet (90 cm) with parallel veining and midrib.

Flowers bloom for 2-3 weeks in late spring, 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) wide.

Detailed Traits of Southern blue flag

Leaf Features

Southern blue flag's leaves are strap-like and typically reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length. Each leaf features a pronounced midrib running down the center, providing structural rigidity. The leaves are green, smooth in texture, and can lay over or fall into the water, rather than standing upright. The vein pattern is parallel, characteristic of monocotyledons. These distinctive features aid in the identification of southern blue flag's foliage in its natural habitat.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Southern blue flag flowers are borne singly at the top of a naked stem and are 6-parted. Each flower features 3 outer, spreading or pendent 'falls' adorned with white marks and yellow crests, and 3 inner, erect 'standards'. The flowers are variously colored, typically ranging from light blue to violet. They bloom for about 2-3 weeks in late spring, creating a striking display. Each bloom measures approximately 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) across.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of southern blue flag is a loculicidal capsule, approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in length. When mature, it typically exhibits a brownish color and contains numerous seeds. The textured surface may appear slightly ribbed, and the shape is generally oblong to ellipsoid. These capsules reveal the seeds when they split open along their locules, a key characteristic to note during the display period stretching from July to September.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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