Iris, Prairie Iris, Dixie Iris

Iris hexagona Walter

(with comments on I. virginica  Southern Blue Flag Iris)

EYE-rus  hex-AG-oh-nah vir-GIN-ah-cah

Iridaceae

Explanation of name: Iris is Greek for rainbow. Hexagona means six-angled.  Virginica refers to Virginia.

Synonymy:  According to WU1, Iris hexagona var. savannarum (Small) R.C. Foster, based on John Kunkel Small's species concept Iris savannarum collected near the Caloosahatchee River and first observed flowering in a garden, has no formal botanical standing and is in synonymy under I. hexagona.  In the garden-flower trade "Savannarum' lives on as an indefinite designation associated with the name Iris hexagona.

Natural range:  Both species are Florida natives.

Recognition:  Irises (as included in this Manual) have large blue flowers with 3 tepals upright and 3 tepals dangling, the tepals fused basally into a tube. Irises are usually grown to the north of South Florida.  The only species commonly cultivated (marketed) in South Florida are the native species Iris hexagona and the marginally native I. virginica. Iris hexagona has zigzag stems, pedicels < 1" long, falls (dangling tepals) 3"-5" long, and capsules 6-angled as opposed to straight stems, pedicels > 1.5" long, falls < 3" long, and capsules 3-angled in I. virginica (BA1). Iris hexagona has a series of cultivars, including a white 'Alba'.  'Louisiana Hybrids' are sometimes attributed incorrectly to I. hexagona but are derived from multiple species.

Landscape uses: Showy-flowered perennials for moist sites. Both species are natural to swamps and marshes. Iris hexagona is more or less native to South Florida and performs well.  Iris virginica is essentially a more northern species. Propagate by seed (species) or rhizomes.