Iris verna

More uncommon, somewhat dwarfer (to 6"), and somewhat more particular (than I. cristata) is this lovely native with its deep-lilac spotted dark-violet falls and lilac standards with deeper veins. Sh/M/Sandy-acid soil

Threatened in Ohio, endangered in Pennsylvania and Maryland and, believe it or not, listed as an "Injurious Weed" in Nevada. Geez, what's next! "Banned in Boston?" Are these people in Nevada crazy? How could this delicate, diminutive, darling, dainty, delicious little plant "injure" anyone? Well, maybe you'll do a little research into that and get back to me. OK? Iris verna has been growing happily now in my garden after limping along for a few years. This years flowers were not plentiful, but as the plants seem to become more established, their bounty increases yearly. I grow it in dappled sun on a well drained slope. In the wild, it seems to favor a slightly acidic soil. A little patience will reward you with flowers that are a deep, clear lavender blue with a distinct orange slash on each fall. There's a white form listed Iris verna alba, which I have never seen, and also references to Iris verna var smalliana which is named for John Kunkel Small (1869-1938). He was a taxonomist and botanical explorer specializing in flora of the Southeastern United States, especially Florida. John Kunkel Small was the first Curator of Museums at The New York Botanic Garden , a post in which he served from 1898 until 1906.

A unique species it is the only member of its section, an attractive plant only 4-6cm high in bloom. Flowers are bright blue with an orange stripe on the falls its native to open acid woodlands in the Southeastern U.S.