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Zigzag Iris

Iris brevicaulis

Other common name(s):

Family:

Iridaceae (Iris Family)

Picture of a Iris brevicaulis with hummingbird

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

0.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Clay, Acid, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Yellow, Blue, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Grow in average, medium wet to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Does very well in the garden under somewhat normal growing conditions. Prefers a rich, slightly acidic soil. Propagation: Clump division, seed.

Comments

Blooms March-June. Glossy leaves and showy flowers. Flowers are made up of dark-veined petals and sepals. The sepals are longer than the petals and have a yellow patch toward the base. Will grow in bog, water garden or soil. If kept moist, will stay evergreen. Attracts birds.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Synonym(s): Iris brevipes, Iris foliosa, Iris foliosa var. boonensis, Iris mississippiensis

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IRBR2. 3) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Iris+brevicaulis&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=12910&locationType=County&mapType=Normal., 5) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=43192#null

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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