Southern Blue Flag
(Iris virginica)

This iris LOVES moist areas; there are several specimens growing in the stream behind the Nature Center.  The flower's colors range from dark violet to white -- typical for a plant named after the goddess of the rainbow.  The most common pattern (see photo) is blue-veined petals with yellow centers.

These flags are found in wet meadows, swamps, river bottoms and ditches.  Of the four native Iris species, this has the widest distribution.

(Photo credits: Kansas State University Wildflower Archive)