Crested Iris (Iris cristata)
Iris cristata, commonly known as Crested Iris, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found in rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and streambanks in southern Illinois and the eastern United States. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils, making it an excellent choice for shaded native plant gardens and woodland borders.
This charming iris typically grows 4 to 9 inches tall and spreads slowly by rhizomes to form small colonies. In mid to late spring, it produces delicate, light blue to violet flowers with gold or white crests on each petal—rather than the typical “beard” of many iris species. The narrow, sword-like leaves form attractive clumps of foliage even after blooming.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Iris cristata is a beautiful, compact groundcover ideal for shaded gardens. It supports early pollinators such as bees and adds soft color and texture to woodland settings. Crested Iris pairs well with spring ephemerals and shade-loving natives like Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, and Foamflower, creating a rich and diverse understory planting.
Iris cristata, commonly known as Crested Iris, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found in rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and streambanks in southern Illinois and the eastern United States. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils, making it an excellent choice for shaded native plant gardens and woodland borders.
This charming iris typically grows 4 to 9 inches tall and spreads slowly by rhizomes to form small colonies. In mid to late spring, it produces delicate, light blue to violet flowers with gold or white crests on each petal—rather than the typical “beard” of many iris species. The narrow, sword-like leaves form attractive clumps of foliage even after blooming.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Iris cristata is a beautiful, compact groundcover ideal for shaded gardens. It supports early pollinators such as bees and adds soft color and texture to woodland settings. Crested Iris pairs well with spring ephemerals and shade-loving natives like Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, and Foamflower, creating a rich and diverse understory planting.
Iris cristata, commonly known as Crested Iris, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found in rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and streambanks in southern Illinois and the eastern United States. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils, making it an excellent choice for shaded native plant gardens and woodland borders.
This charming iris typically grows 4 to 9 inches tall and spreads slowly by rhizomes to form small colonies. In mid to late spring, it produces delicate, light blue to violet flowers with gold or white crests on each petal—rather than the typical “beard” of many iris species. The narrow, sword-like leaves form attractive clumps of foliage even after blooming.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Iris cristata is a beautiful, compact groundcover ideal for shaded gardens. It supports early pollinators such as bees and adds soft color and texture to woodland settings. Crested Iris pairs well with spring ephemerals and shade-loving natives like Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, and Foamflower, creating a rich and diverse understory planting.
Bloom: spring
Habitats: rich woodlands; shaded slopes; streambanks
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (4 to 9 inches)
Requirements: full sun to light shade
Soil: loam; sand