Iris, Louisiana

Grow in average, medium 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, humusy, slightly acidic soil. Iris brevicaulis has large, deep bluish purple flowers with yellow and white crests on the falls. Flowers are borne on low-growing, sprawling stems which typically zig-zag to a height of no more than 5". Sometimes called short-stemmed iris. Long, strap-like, green leaves (10-20") will often hide the blooms. May not produce flowers every year. This Missouri native is most often found in the wild in damp grasslands, along streams, in sloughs, in woodland valleys, and in ravines at the base of wooded slopes. Spreads by rhizomes.