Dwarf crested iris | |
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Ozark National Forest, Pope County, Arkansas | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Iridaceae |
Genus: | Iris |
Subgenus: | Iris subg. Limniris |
Section: | Iris sect. Lophiris |
Species: | I. cristata |
Binomial name | |
Iris cristata | |
Synonyms [1] | |
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Iris cristata (also known as dwarf crested iris and crested iris) is a species in the genus Iris , and is part of the subgenus of Limniris . It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, endemic to the eastern United States. It has pale lavender flowers with a white patch and orange or yellow crest. It is a close relative to Iris lacustris (Dwarf lake iris), the only other crested iris native to North America. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
It has slender, greenish [2] [3] [4] or whitish yellow rhizomes. [5] They are shallow rooted. [6] [7] [8] They spread by sending out long stolons from multiple branches. [9] [10] [11] They can have up to 2–8 cord-like branches. [12] The branches can be 20–30 cm (8–12 in) long and 1–2 mm wide. [3] [12] Under the rhizomes are fleshy-like roots. [12] The branches are brown. [6] [12] The creeping habit can create large masses of plants over time. [13] [14] [15]
It has 6–8 basal leaves, which are divided onto 2–3 proximal (close to centre) leaves and 4–5 distal (away from centre) leaves. [12] The proximal leaves are falcate (sickle-shaped), light brown with a darker brown central mid-rib, [12] and the distal leaves are ensiform (sword-like), [16] [17] [18] green or yellowish green, with a few visible veins. [19] [20] [21] They can grow up to between 7.5 and 15 cm (3 and 6 in) long and 1–2.5 cm wide. [18] [22] [23] They elongate after flowering, [2] [24] [25] growing up to 15–40 cm (6–16 in) long. [13] [6] [18] The elongated leaves hide any seed pods produced later. [6]
It has short stems, [18] [26] (almost stemless), [22] [19] [27] growing up to between 2.5 and 4.5 cm (1 and 2 in) tall. [12] The pedicel or stem, is the same length to the ovary. [13]
It has an overall height with stem and flower reaching 7–10 cm (3–4 in) tall. [28] [29] [30]
It has 2–3 cauline (on the stem), spathes (leaves of the flower bud), which are green, falcate (sickle-shaped) slightly inflated, unequal (outer leaves are shorter than the inner leaves) and 2–6 cm (1–2 in) long. [12]
The spathes bear 1 or 2 flowers, [16] [31] [26] in Spring, [17] [20] [32] or early Summer, [31] [24] between April and May. [16] [7] [33] They only flower for a short time. [5] [22]
The fragrant [25] flowers are 3–5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, [19] [31] [26] and come in shades of blue, [21] [32] [34] from lavender, [29] [34] [26] to lilac, [4] [13] [33] to pale blue, [7] [8] [25] and purple. [24] [10] [28] There are occasionally white forms, [35] [29] [30] and very rarely pink forms. [7] [22] [21]
It has 2 pairs of petals, 3 large sepals (outer petals), known as the 'falls' and 3 inner, smaller petals (or tepals, known as the 'standards'. [6] [18] [21] The spreading falls are 3–6 cm (1–2 in) long and 1.5–2.5 cm wide. [13] [12] They have a central white signal patch, which is surrounded by a purple (or dark blue, [35] ) ring, with 3 parallel orange or yellow crests (or ridges). [17] [26] [36] The fall tapers towards the claw (close to the stem). [24] [12] The standards are erect, [26] oblanceolate and 3–4 cm (1–2 in) long and 1–2 cm wide (narrower and shorter than the falls). [13] [24] [16]
It has a filiform (thread-like), perianth tube that is 4–8 cm (2–3 in) long. [2] [13] [24] This large flower tube lifts the flower above ground level. [2] [12]
It has a triangular, 0.6–1 cm long ovary, an oblong stigma (half the size of the falls, [13] ) and 1.5 cm long, triangular crested, style branch. [12]
After the iris has flowered, it produces an ovoid seed capsule. [2] [12] The capsule is 1–2 cm long, with ridged angles and triangular in cross-section. [2] [12] Inside the capsule, are ellipsoid, yellowish-brown seeds that are 3.2–3.5 mm across and have a white appendage that spirally wraps around the seed. [2] [12]
In 2000, a study was carried out on the genetic diversity of Iris cristata and Iris lacustris. It was found that Iris cristata, is a widespread species of unglaciated regions of eastern North America, it would have a wide genetic diversity similar to other known widespread plant species, compared to the threatened Iris lacustris, which only occupies glaciated habitats on Great Lakes shorelines, (therefore smaller range) would display little genetic variation. [37]
In 2013, a study was carried out on chromosomal characters of various iris species. [38]
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [21] It has been counted twice, 2n=24 (Longley, 1928) and 32 (Simonet, 1934). [2] [12] It is normally published as 2n=32. [3] [35]
It is pronounced as (Iris) EYE-ris (cristata) kris-TAH-tah. [39]
It has common names of dwarf crested iris, [34] [40] [41] or crested iris, [8] [21] [22] and lady's calamus. [19] [25]
It is known as krypiris in Swedish. [40]
The Latin specific epithet cristata is derived from 'crista', meaning crested or with tassel-like tips. [25] This refers to the golden yellow crest on the sepal of the iris. [5] [8]
In the 1750s, the American Quaker botanist John Bartram (1699–1777) introduced Iris crisatata to England via his correspondence friend, Peter Collinson. He had sent several specimen plants across the Atlantic to him. [25] It has been in European culture in since 1766. [13]
It was first published and described by William Aiton in Hortus Kewensis (Hort. Kew.) Volume 1, page 70 in 1789. [13] [40] [42]
It was later published in Botanical Magazine (t 412) in 1798, [2] [13] then in 'Addisonia' Volume 9, Issue 4 on page 63 in December 1924 with a coloured illustration, [36] as well as in the Journal of the RHS Volume 88 in 1963. [24]
It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 11 April 2000, then updated on 1 December 2004. [40]
Iris cristata is an accepted name by the RHS. [19]
It is native to temperate regions of United States of America. [40] [43]
It is found in northeastern U.S., within the states of Indiana, [7] Ohio, [2] [13] [4] Pennsylvania, [5] [44] and West Virginia. [12] [40]
It is also found in north-central U.S., [2] [21] within the states of Illinois, [8] Iowa, [8] Missouri, [7] [9] and Oklahoma. [9] [12] [40]
In southeastern U.S., [24] [15] [19] it is found within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, [2] and Georgia. [3] [7] [27]
It is found within the Ouachita mountains, [34] Allegheny Mountains, [2] Appalachian and Ozark Mountains. [23] [35] [36]
The range is south of where the Wisconsinan glaciation spread about 11,000 years ago. [37]
It grows in calcareous soils, [8] [12] in oak woodlands (or forests), [8] [18] [21] on rocky hillsides, [13] [6] [21] in ravines, [2] [6] [12] on mountain ledges (and bluffs), [5] [6] [9] and along streams. [13] [5] [7]
Iris cristata is listed as 'endangered' in Maryland and Pennsylvania. [5]
It is hardy to between USDA Zone 3 and Zone 9, [32] [29] [45] and is hardy to European Zone H2, [24] meaning it is hardy down to −20 °C. [7]
It prefers to grow in well-drained soils [2] [3] [6] that are neutral or slightly acidic (pH level of 6.1 to 6.5). [17] [21] [29] It also prefers medium to high fertile soils containing humus, [7] [9] [17] although it will tolerate loamy soils. [32]
It can tolerate shade or full sun, [9] [30] [46] but prefers cool, semi-shaded positions. [4] [6] [7]
It has average to above average water needs during the growing season. [6] [29]
It becomes dormant in winter. [23]
It can be grown in a mixed flower border, or rock garden. [17] [22] [33] It also can be naturalized, [47] within a woodland garden, creating ground-cover. [10] [17] [45] It can also be grown on peat banks, with other acidic loving plants, [31] including camellias and azaleas. [23]
It is normally recommended to add peat (or leaf-mould) and sharp sand (or grit) when planting new plants. [2] [4] [10] The roots are planted (during spring, summer or autumn) so that the top of the rhizome is about 3–5 cm below the soil line. [4] [10] [32]
Once planted, they can be surrounded with leaf mulch to help with moisture retention. [10]
They can suffer from damage by snails and slugs. [2] [3] [7]
They also can suffer damage from deer, but the plants can survive the nibbling, and flowers can also be eaten. [5] [9] [17]
Other minor threats include iris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, aphids, nematodes, bacterial leaf blight and soft rot, crown rot, rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, viruses, and scorch. [22]
Grown in ideal conditions, the plants can live for up to 10 years. [17]
Smaller, poorer and paler forms were originally mistakenly thought to be Iris lacustris. [2]
They can be found in plenty of reputable nurseries in the US, [5] [10] but it is rarely offered on sale in Europe. [3]
It can be propagated by division or by seed growing. [29]
Since the plant needs to be frequently divided every 3 to 4 years, [2] [7] [17] to keep the plant healthy and vigorous, [20] it is easier and more reliable to propagate via division. [17]
This is best done in the early fall (or autumn), when the leaves have turned yellow. [10] [17] [20] The rhizome should be split into hand-sized clumps to allow for plenty of new growth to occur. [17] The new plants should be kept moist until established, [2] they also can be mulched (with a maximum of 4 inches deep) to help with water retention. [17]
If propagating by seed, seeds are collected from the ripe brown capsules after flowering and sown on acid or slightly acidic soil. The plant can take up to 3 years to mature from a seedling into a flowering plant. [17]
Iris cristata has many different cultivars.
Including; Iris cristata 'Alba' (a white flowering form), [27] [46] [48] 'Abbey's Violet', 'Azure', 'Baby Blue', 'Caerulea' (deep blue blooms), [20] 'Celestial Gem', 'Crested Fairy', 'Crested Gem', 'Crested Ivory', 'Crest Of Hope', 'Cristata Alba', 'Cristata Major', 'McDonald', [46] 'Cumberland Gap', 'Dash It All', 'Dick Butler', ‘Echo Ruffles’ (large purple blooms), [20] 'Eco Little Bluebird', 'Eco Orchid Giant', 'Eco Purple Pomp', [46] 'Eco Royal Ruffles', 'Eco White Angel', [46] 'Edgar Anderson', 'Eyed Form', 'Gold Crest', 'Little Jay', 'Major', 'Millard', 'Navy Blue Gem', [46] 'Pearl White', 'Pink', 'Powder Blue Giant', [6] [46] 'Shenandoah Sky',(pale blue blooms) [46] 'Scio County', 'Skylands', 'Stormy Sky', 'Summer Sky' (deep blue blooms), [20] 'Summer Storm', 'Tennessee White',(a white form) [6] 'Vein Mountain', 'Whisper' and 'White Pearl'. [36]
Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), and if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Handling the plant may cause a skin irritation or an allergic reaction, [25] [29] and there is also a risk of dermatitis. [25]
It has been listed as a medicinal plant. [49]
It has been used by the Cherokee North American Indians in herbal medicines. [25] A decoction of the pulverized root was used as salve for ulcers. [41] [50] An infusion (tea) taken for liver. Also a decoction of the root was used to treat a "yellowish urine." [41] The root was also used as an ingredient in a cream applied to skin ulcers. [25]
The root has also been used as a spice. [25]
In the 19th century, hunters in Virginia used the root, as a thirst aid. It is initially sweet and then the taste of the root becomes pungently acrid. [25]
In its native region, it has been marked as a commercially available pollinator plant that attracts bees. [51]
Iris sibirica, commonly known as Siberian iris or Siberian flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from Europe and Central Asia. It has long green grass-like leaves, tall stem, 2–5 violet-blue, to blue, and occasionally white flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris lacustris, the dwarf lake iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, subgenus Limniris and in the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous, beardless perennial plant, native to the Great Lakes region of eastern North America. It has lavender blue or violet-blue flowers, a very short stem and long fan-like green leaves. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It is closely related to Iris cristata.
Iris confusa (; also known as the bamboo iris is a species of iris. It is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, native to Western China. It has flowers which range from white to a soft lavender or pale blue in colour, with orange-yellow crests and purple dots. The plant's broad, shiny leaves are attached to bamboo-like stems. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris japonica, commonly known as fringed iris, shaga and butterfly flower, is a native of China and Japan. It is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and within the Lophiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, with pale blue, lavender or white flowers with an orange or yellow crest. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris milesii is a plant species in the genus Iris, subgenus Limniris and in the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous, beardless perennial plant, native to the Himalayas, India and China. It has pinkish-violet, or pinkish purple, or pinkish-lavender or pinkish lilac flowers, with a fringed yellow or orange crest. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris tectorum is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris. It is a rhizomatous perennial. It is native of China, Korea and Burma, with lavender-blue, bluish-violet, purple-blue, blue-lilac or sky blue flowers. There is a white form as well. It is a compact plant and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions of the world.
Iris verna, the dwarf violet iris, is a species of flowering plant in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is endemic to the eastern United States from Maryland to Florida along the Atlantic Coast, west to Mississippi, and inland to Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. It occurs in nutrient-poor acidic soils of open to semi-shaded woodlands.
Iris tenuis is a plant species in the genus Iris, subgenus Limniris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, endemic to Clackamas County, Oregon. The flowers are white, pale blue or lilac, with a yellow or golden low dissected crest and pale green leaves. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris ruthenica, sometimes called ever blooming iris, Russian iris, pilgrim iris and Hungarian iris, is a species in the genus Iris- subgenus Limniris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, with a wide distribution, ranging from eastern Europe to Central Asia. It has grass-like leaves, thick stem and violet or bluish lavender flowers which are marked with violet veining.
Iris fulva, also known as copper iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Hexagonae. It is a rhizomatous perennial, endemic to the southern and central United States. It has copper-red to deep red flowers and bright green leaves.
Iris hexagona, commonly known as the Dixie iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series hexagonae. It is a rhizomatous perennial with long bright green leaves, long thin stem and has small groups of flowers in shades of blue, from violet, to bluish purple, to lavender. It flowers in springtime and is native to the southeastern and south-central US states.
Iris minutoaurea is a beardless iris in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Chinenses of the genus. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial of eastern Asia, native to China and Korea. It has been naturalized in Japan. It has long grassy-like leaves, short stem and bright yellow or pale yellow flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris wattii is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant. It is native to China, Burma and India, it has lavender or light blue flowers. It is also known as 'Bamboo Iris'. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris falcifolia is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Hexapogon. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. It is a small plant, with sickle-shaped greyish-green leaves, lilac-violet flowers and darker veining, and a white or yellow beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in dry, temperate regions.
Iris humilis is a plant species in the genus Iris. It is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Psammiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, with a wide distribution range from Europe to Russia to China, via Mongolia and Kazakhstan. It has sword-shaped leaves, a short stem and yellow flowers with an orange beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris potaninii is a species in the genus Iris; it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Psammiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Siberia in Russia, Mongolia and China. It is a dwarf plant, having either subterranean or very small stems, long thin leaves and yellow, or dark violet to purplish blue flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris marsica is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Apennine Mountains, in Italy. It has glaucous, sickle-shaped or curved, light green leaves, slender stem with 2 branches, and 3 violet, light blue violet, dark violet, and dark purple flowers. It was only found and described since 1973, and is not yet in general cultivation. It was once thought to be a form of Iris germanica, but has different morphological characteristics and different chromosomal differences.
Iris suaveolens is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Eastern Europe, ranging from the Balkans to Turkey. It has short, sickle shaped or curved, blue-green or greyish green leaves, a slender simple stem, with 1 or 2 fragrant spring blooming, flowers, between yellow and purple, with white or yellow beards. It was once known as Iris mellita, until that was re-classified as a synonym of Iris suaveolens. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris subbiflora is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Portugal and Spain in Europe. It has evergreen broad leaves, forming dense clumps, it has dwarf stems in late spring,, with 1 upright fragrant flower, in shades of purple, light red purple, grey-blue, blue-violet, or dark violet. It has a beard which is generally blue, purple, or violet, but can fade to white, dull yellow, or dark yellow. After being found in 1804, it was once a separate species until the late 70s, when it was reclassified as subspecies of Iris lutescens, and renamed Iris lutescens subsp. subbiflora. But in the 80s it was returned to an independent species but some authors and references still class the species as a synonym or subspecies. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris acutiloba is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountains of the Caucasus and found in Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Dagestan in the North Caucasus, and Iran. It is a dwarf species, with narrow, falcate or curved leaves, it has one flower in spring or early summer, that comes in shades from cream, creamy white, whitish, pale brown, light grey, to pale violet. It is heavily veined or streaked and pointed, with 2 dark spots and brown, purple, dark purple, or black short beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. There are two subspecies, Iris acutiloba subsp. lineolata and Iris acutiloba subsp. longitepala.
Media related to Iris cristata at Wikimedia Commons