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Native Plant Database

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Iris prismatica (Coastal iris)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Iris prismatica Pursh ex Ker-Gawl.

Coastal iris, Slender blue flag, Slender blue iris

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

USDA Symbol: IRPR

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Thin, grass-like leaves rise from a basal cluster to 1-3 ft. The typically iris-like blossom, occuring on a branched stem, is blue.

A member of the iris family (family Iridaceae) which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks. There are about 60 genera and 1,500 species, distributed in temperate and tropical regions. Among them, Iris, Freesia, Gladiolus, Bugle Lily, and Montbretia are popular ornamentals. Saffron dye is obtained from Crocus, and essence of violets, used in perfumes, is extracted from the rhizomes of Iris.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit: Green, Brown
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CT , DE , GA , MA , MD , ME , NC , NH , NJ , NY , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT
Canada: NS
Native Distribution: Coastal areas from N.S. to GA; also s. Appalacians
Native Habitat: Brackish to fresh swamps & meadows near the coast
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, acid soil.
Conditions Comments: Will tolerate high pH soils.

Benefit

Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: Rhizomes (thickened roots) and rootstocks, fresh or dry. Minor skin irritation when touched, low toxicity if ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap. Toxic Principle: Irisin, iridin, or irisine. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)


Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Sow seeds outside as soon as they are ripe. Seedlings will germinate in one year and flower in two. Propagation is also accomplished by division.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Iris prismatica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Iris prismatica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Iris prismatica

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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