blue flag iris

Iris versicolor

characteristics

This perennial has sword-like green leaves and long, straight flowering stems. Large purple-blue flowers have fine variegations of yellow, white, and black. Blue flag iris often grows in clump forming colonies.

Starts from seed bulbs, container.

habitat

Along shorelines, wet meadows, and marshes.

uses

Root stock provides food for aquatic rodents, like muskrats.

A blue dye from the flowers can be used as a litmus substitute.

A medicinal poultice made from the roots was used by North American aboriginals.