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Bloodworth, Stefan (Durham, NC)
Iris brevicaulis Raf.
Zigzag iris
Iridaceae (Iris Family)
Synonyms: Iris foliosa
USDA Symbol: irbr2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A 1-2 ft., zig-zag stem bears long, glossy leaves and showy blue, lavender or white flowers. The flowers are made up of dark-veined petals and sepals. The sepals are longer than the petals and have a yellow patch toward the base.
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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MS , MO , OH , OK , TN , TXCanada: ON
Native Distribution: MS to e. TX, n. to OH, IL, MO & extreme e. KS
Native Habitat: Swamps, Shaded woods. Swamps; marshes; bottomlands; damp woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Conditions Comments: Grow in average, medium wet to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Although a marsh plant in the wild, this species will do very well in the garden under somewhat normal growing conditions. Prefers a rich, slightly acidic soil.
Texas comments: Zigzag iris grows in average, medium wet to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Although a marsh plant in the wild, this species will do very well in the garden under somewhat normal growing conditions. It prefers a rich, slightly acidic soil. Our bloom color is a pinkish-purple.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesFragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: High
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root DivisionDescription: Clump division is the usual method of increase. All native iris can be grown from seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
Iris brevicaulis (Zigzag iris) is a PlantWise native alternative for: Iris pseudacorus (paleyellow iris)
Iris pseudacorus (paleyellow iris)
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Question: Hello...what do you suggest as a companion plant for irises? I live in the Texas Hill Country.
Thanks.
click here to view the full question and answer
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Bibliography
* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...
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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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Iris brevicaulis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Iris brevicaulis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Iris brevicaulis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: NPC
