Audubon® Native Blueflag Iris

Swampy soil becomes a blessing with Northern Blue Flag! This splendid native Iris loves constantly moist soil, where it becomes a showpiece. The handsome, strappy foliage creates a sharp vertical element in your landscape throughout the growing season, and the graceful, cobalt-blue flowers paint a pretty picture in late spring and early summer. Hummingbirds will hover around the blossoms, sipping their sweet nectar. Butterflies may also visit the flowers, along with bumblebees and other native bees. Make a troublesome, soggy part of your yard come alive with flora and fauna when you fill it with wonderful natives like Northern Blue Flag!

There are a few hundred species of Irises on the planet, so it is not surprising that these plants are well-known and well-loved by humans all over the world. They are rich in symbolism. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and was a bridge for women to the afterlife; Greeks would therefore plant Irises on women’s graves. According to the ancient Egyptians, Irises symbolized wisdom, faith, and courage. In North America, the Northern Blue Flag Iris was once considered a healer of a variety of ills. This was a dangerous idea, because the plant is poisonous when ingested if not prepared correctly.

Over the years, many of our native wetlands have been drained or filled in. Long considered useless, wetlands are actually precious to wildlife, water quality, and the health of the whole planet! We should preserve those spaces and the plants that flourish there. Northern Blue Flag is one such species that we can’t afford to lose. Besides service wildlife, it’s a living water filter that cleans mucky water naturally.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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