Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica)
Blue Flag Iris flowers attract bumblebees, long-horned bees, and occasionally butterflies and skippers (illinoiswildflower.info). It is the host plant to 14 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). This attractive plant is rarely bothered by deer and rabbits due to its somewhat toxic foliage. A really great rain garden plant.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Blue Flag Iris flowers attract bumblebees, long-horned bees, and occasionally butterflies and skippers (illinoiswildflower.info). It is the host plant to 14 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). This attractive plant is rarely bothered by deer and rabbits due to its somewhat toxic foliage. A really great rain garden plant.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Blue Flag Iris flowers attract bumblebees, long-horned bees, and occasionally butterflies and skippers (illinoiswildflower.info). It is the host plant to 14 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). This attractive plant is rarely bothered by deer and rabbits due to its somewhat toxic foliage. A really great rain garden plant.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full-Partial shade
Soil Moisture: Wet-Medium
Height: 2-3 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: May-July
Bloom Color: Violet
Advantages: Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping plant
Host Plant: 14 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
