Dwarf Lake Iris

Iris lacustris

The Dwarf Lake Iris is a beautiful little flower that grows close to lakes and wetlands. Its lovely blue and purple petals bloom in spring, making it a special sight in nature.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Dwarf Lake Iris is a tiny wildflower, often only a few inches tall, featuring striking violet-blue flowers with distinctive white and yellow markings on its lower petals. Its narrow, grass-like leaves grow in clumps.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyIridaceaeGenusIris

Dwarf Lake Iris

Interesting facts

It's a relict species, a survivor from the last Ice Age!

Its scientific name, 'lacustris', means 'of lakes'!

This tiny flower is a Michigan state threatened species!

You can only find it around North America's Great Lakes!

Special abilities

Dwarf Lake Iris has creeping rhizomes that help it spread and form colonies, adapting to harsh shoreline habitats.

This iris can survive freezing temperatures and harsh winters, allowing it to thrive in cold northern climates.

Its distinct white and yellow petal markings act as a landing strip, guiding insects to its hidden nectar.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-15 cm
Spread: 10-30 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

collects nectar and pollen

eaten by

Meadow Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

may nibble on rhizomes

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

browses foliage occasionally

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.