BEARDED IRIS
Iris germanica
IRIS FAMILY (Iridiceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May, June
- Uncommon at old garden sites
- Large flowers with 3 erect petals and 3 downcurved sepals
- Sword-like leaves
This iris was introduced from Europe and planted as a garden ornamental a long time ago. These irises have persisted long after cultivation. Leaves are sword like, up to 3 feet long and about 2 inches wide. The flowers are lavender and light blue, with darker markings and yellow “beards.” Flower parts are in sets of three, each flower with 3 erect petals and 3 recurved, bearded sepals.
In Fontenelle Forest, rare on History Trail, at the abandoned (in the 1960s) Baldwin farmstead overlooking the railroad tracks where a few flowers bloom after a wet early spring. A yellow color variant also may be seen. At Neale Woods a deeper blue variety is sometimes seen along the road near the site of the old Jonas House. Flowering occurs in May and June.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.