southern blue flag, Iris virginica

Iris are one of the classic flowers. They've been part of our art and literature from early days. It might be hard to find anyone, anywhere who doesn't know and appreciate them. It would be a rare flower garden that doesn't show off with some iris. Southern blue flag is our common species in the east. It's is easily seen in damp open or semi-shaded ground, or even in roadside ditches. It grows in AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NY, OH, OK, PA(E), SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, ON, and QC(L). Ives Fen Preserve, Lenawee Co MI, 6/5/11.