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| ## blue flag {#blue-flag .Title-Header}                               |
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| *Iris versicolor* L.                                                  |
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| Plant Symbol = IRVE2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

![Color image of Blue Flag (Iris
versicolor)](media/image2.png){width="1.7381889763779528in"
height="2.5952755905511813in"}**Uses**

This species is primarily utilized for its brightly colored floral
display. The root mass of established colonies provides good shoreline
protection. Although the seed is large and kernel-like, there is no
documentation of wildlife consumption; the root stock is fed upon by
aquatic rodents.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Blueflag's sword-like leaves emerge from thick horizontal root stock
(corm) which are covered with fibrous roots. This emergent will grow to
heights of four feet in spreading clumps. The individual leaves are
somewhat shorter than the entire plant. This species will radially grow
less than 2 feet per year.

From the nearly straight flowering stems emerge large blue to
violet-blue showy flowers. They bloom from May to July. The three
petaled flowers are often finely variegated with yellow, green, and
white. The flower develops a three celled capsule which is about 1 1/2
inches long and 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Within each cell, two rows
of flattened round seeds form. There are an average of 18,000 seeds per
pound.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

The native distribution of blue flag spans from Newfoundland to
Manitoba, south to Florida and Arkansas. It is typically encountered in
marshes, swamps, wet meadows, along shorelines, and in forested
wetlands. It performs best on sites with unconsolidated soils high in
organic content, in direct sunlight. It will tolerate moderately
brackish water, partial shade, and permanent inundation up to 6 inches
deep.

For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page
for this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Like many wetland species, this perennial emergent can be effectively
established using vegetative and seed techniques. To propagate wild iris
by vegetative

means, single corms or bulbs can be divided or cut from the parent root
system. These propagules are then potted or directly field planted
before the end of July. Plant along the water line.

To field or nursery grow seedlings, the seeds should be stratified in
moist peat moss for at least three months at 36 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Naturally the seed will shatter from their pods in fall; wash on land at
the soil/water interface and over winter at that location; then,
germinate in spring. Fall seeding can be considered, but is often met
with less success than with nursery transplants.

This plant is easily established and increased under nursery conditions.
With organic soils, minimal fertilization, and good water depth control,
this perennial will thrive.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Under proper hydric environment and soil organic levels, this flowering
plant thrives without the addition of commercial fertilizers. There are
no known insects or diseases which negatively impact this species, but
muskrats will eat the root. Blueflag is easily over-topped by aggressive
rhizomotous emergents.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

This wild iris has been utilized to develop certain ornamental bulbs
that are commercially available. Seedlings or divisions of locally or
regionally collected ecotypes are available from wetland plant
nurseries.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program

##### Edited: 05Feb2002 JLK; 060801 jsp {#edited-05feb2002-jlk-060801-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*