This hardy perennial flower flares out in purple and white sprays along its native Northeastern wetlands, and is a great low-fuss planting to naturalize around any ponds or wet areas. This aquatic plant prefers to be immersed in water-saturated soil, and makes for an excellent wetland restoration ally, acting as a buffer to help filter excess nutrient runoff. Their graceful sword-like leaves set the stage for a late-spring flash of color. Also referred to as Northern Blue Flag and Harlequin Blue Flag, the showy blossoms of this iris are much beloved by hummingbird visitors. Their large lobes are ideal landing pads for bumblebees and long-horned bees, and various non-pollinating insects such as skippers enjoy their nectar as well. The slow creeping rhizomes of the Blue Flag Iris allows them to form neat clumps where they’ve been planted. Iris versicolor’s seeds are covered in a corky deposit that provides protection for dispersal along waterways. While the plant and its root are toxic to humans, it has a history of use by Indigenous tribes as a purgative, with indication that Native peoples would also make a twine from the fibers of the leaves. The slight violet scent of the roots has seen them used as a powder in perfume or potpourri.
The term ‘flag’ has its origins in the Middle English ‘flagge,’ meaning ‘rush’ or ‘reed.’ Iris is the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow, alluding to the array of colors these flowers display, as does their specific epithet versicolor. The blooms of Iris versicolor are said to represent power, with each three sepals symbolizing wisdom, faith, and courage.