Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

 The Iris cristata needs 6-8 hours of sunlight and well-drained soil with sand and leaf mold ground. 

Growth Habit/Description:

 Dwarf crested irises grow to 6-8 inches tall with green blade leaves. 

Bloom Season:

 In spring bloom, they grow purple or blue flowers. 

differences from other iris species

The presence of prominent fuzzy crests on the sepals. the flower of the crested iris is most commonly a light blue.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

No

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   Flowers are used by bees and hummingbirds. 

Origin of the Name

The genus (iris) is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The specific epithet means crested; it references the crested ridges on the sepals of this species.

Related Plant Species

Iris crestata has been described as a bigger version of the Iris lacustris in every way (Nuttall).

Use for Food/Medicine

No uses in food or medicine 

Iris cristata. Iris cristata (Crested Iris, Dwarf Crested Iris, Iris) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (2023). Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-cristata/ . (Accessed: 8th September 2023) 

Nuttall, & Henderson, N. C. (n.d.). Iris lacustris. Iris lacustris - FNA. http://beta.floranorthamerica.org/Iris_lacustris 

Tilley, N. Miniature irises in the garden: Growing crested iris plants. Gardening Know How (2023). Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/miniature-irises.htm. (Accessed: 8th September 2023)

Missouri botanical garden. (n.d.). Iris cristata . Iris cristata - plant finder. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k690 

Lasted edited by Haven Herring, September 2023.