Iris

The classic German or common-flag iris — the presumed parent of most modern bearded-iris cultivars, probably native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean and naturalized widely. Each stalk carries up to six large, usually fragrant flowers in spring: three erect lilac standards above three purple falls marked with brown veins, white bases, and the signature yellow "beard." It has no bulb, spreading instead by creeping rhizomes that form large clumps, with sword-shaped basal foliage to about two feet.

A native eastern + central North American wetland iris producing striking violet-blue flowers with yellow + white throat markings in late spring + early summer. Tolerates wet feet better than most irises — among the best perennials for rain gardens, stream edges, and pond margins. Long-lived; clumps slowly expand. ALL parts of the plant are toxic (irisin glycoside) — wildlife typically avoid it; humans + pets can experience GI distress + skin irritation from sap contact.

A diminutive native woodland iris forming spreading mats of low sword-shaped foliage topped briefly in spring by delicate light-blue flowers with bold yellow + white "crests" running down each fall. One of the most charming native perennials for partly shaded sites. Among the smallest native irises (6-9" tall) — works beautifully as a groundcover under deciduous shrubs + along path edges. ALL parts toxic (typical iris caveat).