Iris cristata
Iris cristata dwarf crested iris


A small (4-6 inch) tall iris variant with blue-purple sepals with a central purple-striped band of yellow or white. The band is often "bearded" by crested ridges along the sides. One or two flowers appear from March through May, each with three petals and three sepals on a short stalk.
Habitat & Range
Rare on wooded slopes with rich, acidic soils which are well-drained & in peat bogs and stream banks. Prefers part to full shade.
Present in Green, Allegheny, Bedford, Fulton & York Cos.
Wetland code: Not classified
Phenology
Flowers in April & May.
Characteristics
Flowers pale blue-violet or white; 3 spreading or recurved outer sepals('falls') ; 3 upright petals('standards'); stamens at base of sepals covered by 3 petaloid stigma lobes
Leaves narrow, sword-shaped; bright glossy green; 0.3-1″ wide, 2.5 - 10″ long
Stems avg. 4″
Rhizome branched, creeping
Height 4-6″
Plant Codes
PA status: PE (Endangered)
S-rank: S1 (Critically imperiled)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)