Planting and Growing the Zigzag Iris
The zigzag iris is a member of the iris family. It is a native plant to the United States. Botanically, it is called Iris brevicaulis or Iris foliosa.
Zigzag Iris Description
Growing one to two feet high, this perennial flowering plant has glossy leaves and flowers that are blue, white, or lavender. Flowers have darkly veined sepals and petals with petals that are shorter than the sepals. Bloom season is March and April.
Growing Guide
The zigzag iris isn't particular about lighting conditions, growing in full sun to full shade. It likes moist or wet soils that are rich and well-drained. Slightly acidic soils are fine. Propagate by clump division or by seed.
Distribution
This native iris plant can be found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. It is seen in swamps, marshes, damp woods, and bottomlands.
Classification
Kingdom - Plantae- Plants
Subkingdom - Tracheobionta- Vascular plants
Superdivision - Spermatophyta- Seed plants
Division - Magnoliophyta- Flowering plants
Class - Liliopsida- Monocotyledons
Subclass- Liliidae
Order - Liliales
Family- Iridaceae- Iris family
Genus - Iris L.- iris
Species- Iris brevicaulis Raf.- zigzag iris
Zigzag Iris Threatened/Endangered Status
This plant is endangered in the states of Ohio and Tennessee.
Uses
This plant and its dainty flowers and short stems make for a great addition to rock gardens, woodland gardens, and for beds and borders. It does well as a cut flower and for waterside plants near a bog or water garden.
Source: NPIN, PlantsDatabase
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