Iris virginica shrevei, commonly known as Blue Flag, is a native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to wet, rich soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a beautiful and functional choice for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and water’s-edge plantings.
This elegant plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features slender, sword-like leaves arranged in a fan-like shape. In late spring to early summer, it produces striking, blue to violet flowers with yellow and white markings on the falls (the downward-curving petals). The blooms are pollinated by bees and provide important nectar sources for early-season insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Iris virginica shrevei is an attractive and ecologically valuable addition to moist landscapes. It supports pollinators, helps stabilize soil along water edges, and pairs beautifully with other wetland natives like Cardinal Flower, Swamp Milkweed, and Marsh Blazingstar in vibrant, wildlife-friendly plantings.
Iris virginica shrevei, commonly known as Blue Flag, is a native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to wet, rich soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a beautiful and functional choice for rain gardens, wetland restorations, and water’s-edge plantings.
This elegant plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and features slender, sword-like leaves arranged in a fan-like shape. In late spring to early summer, it produces striking, blue to violet flowers with yellow and white markings on the falls (the downward-curving petals). The blooms are pollinated by bees and provide important nectar sources for early-season insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Iris virginica shrevei is an attractive and ecologically valuable addition to moist landscapes. It supports pollinators, helps stabilize soil along water edges, and pairs beautifully with other wetland natives like Cardinal Flower, Swamp Milkweed, and Marsh Blazingstar in vibrant, wildlife-friendly plantings.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: ditches; edges of ponds and streams; fens; low-lying ground along railroads and roadsides; open bottomland woodlands; prairie swales; seeps; soggy meadows along rivers; wet to moist black soil prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to full sun
Soil: rich organic soil
