Dwarf Crested Iris

Iris cristata

This small iris is native to the Northeast, Southeast as well as the Midwest. It’s listed as an endangered plant species in Pennsylvania. In optimum growing conditions, it spreads quickly to form dense colonies. Leaves are green and slender. It makes an excellent groundcover! It’ll grow in full sun but thrives best in part shade. Flowers are blue to violet, sometimes white. In the wild, it’s often found on wooded slopes or along streambanks. This iris tends to prefer drier, less rich soils compared to other irises.