Iris shrevei (Shreve's Iris)
Iris shrevei is a close relative of Southern Blue Flag Iris, native to the Appalachian Mountains. It forms tall, branched stems with sumptuous blue-yellow flowers and graceful, arching foliage. A perfect native iris for pond borders and rain gardens.
Iris shrevei is a close relative of Southern Blue Flag Iris, native to the Appalachian Mountains. It forms tall, branched stems with sumptuous blue-yellow flowers and graceful, arching foliage. A perfect native iris for pond borders and rain gardens.
Iris shrevei is a close relative of Southern Blue Flag Iris, native to the Appalachian Mountains. It forms tall, branched stems with sumptuous blue-yellow flowers and graceful, arching foliage. A perfect native iris for pond borders and rain gardens.
Iris shrevei is one of our region’s native iris species, found predominantly the mountains, especially sunny wetlands. Originally Iris virginica var. shrevei, it is tolerant of periods of flooding, this species can grow in average soils with frequent rainfall or watering. Iris shrevei can grow up to 3’ tall with tall leaf blades, forming colonies slowly via spreading rhizomes. Its flowers are large and very showy, often a light blue with yellow, formed off branching stalks. While the bloom period may last only a few weeks from May-June, these gorgeous flowers can compete in beauty with other non-native species.
While not known for being a prominent pollinator plant, Iris shrevei is an important species for wildlife, hosting a number of types of insect herbivores which can be food for birds and other creatures. It supports at least a dozen different species of caterpillars in our region, and its flowers can attract bumblebees and skipper butterflies. It is somewhat toxic to mammals like deer, although some browse may occur.
Pollinators: bumblebees, long-horned bees, butterflies, skippers
Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: At least a dozen Lepidoptera species
Dependent Species: Iris borer (Macronoctua onusta)
Wildlife Value: insect herbivores
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Native Region: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont
Seed Origin: USA
USDA Zones: 4-9
States found in our region: AL, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Other states found: AR, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NY, OH, OK, TX, WI