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Native Plant Database

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Iris verna L.

Dwarf violet iris, Vernal iris, Dwarf iris

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

USDA Symbol: irve

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A small, fragrant iris of Southeastern pinelands, Post Oak (Quercus stellata) woods, and coastal plains, Iris verna blooms in early spring on short stalks before its leaves start their seasons growth. I. verna var. verna, of the coastal plains, has grassier foliage. Iris verna var. smalliana, found in mountainous areas, looks very similar to I. cristata.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Semi-evergreen
Size Notes: Flowers appear on 2 inch stalks before leaf growth begins.
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue , Violet , Brown
Bloom Notes: Intensely fragrant. Blooms appear in early spring before leaf growth starts.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , DC , FL , GA , KY , MD , MS , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Habitat: Pine forests, Post Oak woods, mountains, and coastal plains
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Highly acid

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Valued for subtle color in Southeastern shade gardens and woodlands.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

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

Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski

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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 page

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-08-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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