Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Source: OWSL
Iris versicolor
Harlequin Blue Flag Iris
Iris versicolore
Obsolete Names
blue flag
larger blue flag
multi-coloured blue flag
northern blue flag
clajeux
Seeds available at table Mixed Sun, Wet
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Blue
Bloom period: May - Jun
Max Height: 3.0 feet
Max Width: 2.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates medium soil condition
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Does not spread uncontrollably
Self-seeding
Does not spread uncontrollably
Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
Suitable for wetland garden
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates foot traffic
Suitable for wetland garden
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates foot traffic
Ecological Benefits:
Supports hummingbirds
Butterfly host
Supports hummingbirds
Butterfly host
Tolerates:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
This plant causes skin rashes
This plant causes skin rashes
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Thrives in Ecozones
- Atlantic Maritime
- Boreal Plains
- Hudson Plains
- Boreal Shield
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Iris versicolor
No butterfly data available for this plant.
Specialized Bees Supported by Iris versicolor
No bee data available for this plant.
Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.
Complementary Plants
- Chelone glabra
White Turtlehead
Galane glabre - Gentiana andrewsii
Closed Bottle Gentian
Gentiane d'Andrews - Geum rivale
Water Avens
Benoîte des ruisseaux - Scirpus pendulus
Hanging Bulrush
Scirpe pendant - Scutellaria lateriflora
Mad-dog Skullcap
Scutellaire latériflore
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush)
- Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
- Iris (Iris Cultivars)
- Canna (Lily)
Sowing Information
Download Sowing Label (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow by December
- Stratification duration: 120 days
- Self-seeding
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: August
- Harvesting indicator: Pods are brown, seeds are dark, and crisp, and little stem connecting the pod to the main stem is brown (not green)
- Harvesting mean: Open the pod, remove seeds
- Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/4 teaspoon
- Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- No harvesting video available at this time.
Toxicity Notes
Toxic to mammals if ingested.