Southern Blue Flag Iris flowers are visited by native bees, butterflies, and skippers (illinoiswildflowers.info). It is also the host to 14 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Because of its somewhat toxic foliage, deer and other herbivores rarely bother this plant.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Southern Blue Flag Iris flowers are visited by native bees, butterflies, and skippers (illinoiswildflowers.info). It is also the host to 14 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Because of its somewhat toxic foliage, deer and other herbivores rarely bother this plant.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full-Partial shade
Soil Moisture: Wet-Medium
Height: 3 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: May-July
Bloom Color: Purple
Advantages: Deer Resistant, Rain Garden, Great landscaping plant
Host Plant: 14 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Complementary Plants: Turtlehead, Obedient plant, Ferns, Swamp milkweed
