Bearded Iris
ExplorePlants
Bearded Iris
Iris germanica L.
Bearded Irises have fuzzy petals that look like little beards! They are colorful and make gardens pretty and inviting.
Habitat: Bearded irises thrive in sunny garden spots.
Appearance
The Bearded Iris has large, showy flowers with three upright 'standards' and three drooping 'falls'. Its most distinctive feature is a fuzzy 'beard' of hairs running down the center of each fall, which varies in color from yellow to orange. They come in an incredible array of colors, from pure white to deep purple and multi-colored patterns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyIridaceaeGenusIris
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Irises can change color slightly depending on the soil's pH, like a natural mood ring!
Some ancient cultures believed Irises guided souls from Earth to heaven!
The famous 'fleur-de-lis' symbol of French royalty was inspired by the Iris flower!
Their fuzzy 'beards' are actually tiny landing strips for thirsty bees and butterflies!
Special abilities
Ability
Beard Beacon
Bearded Irises have a fuzzy 'beard' on their lower petals that guides buzzing insects directly to their nectar for a delicious treat!
Ability
Rhizome Resilience
Bearded Irises can grow from thick underground stems called rhizomes, helping them store food and spread their roots wide.
Ability
Drought Defender
The Iris's robust rhizomes store water, allowing it to survive through dry spells and pop up again when conditions improve.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-120 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 10-15 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honeybee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen, transferring it between flowers.
pollinates
Painted Lady butterfly
Vanessa cardui
sips nectar, helping the plant reproduce.
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
visits for nectar, aiding in pollination.
eaten by
Garden Snail
Helix aspersa
can sometimes munch on its leaves and flowers.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
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.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
German IrisIris germanica
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Bearded Iris?
60-120 cm
How wide does Bearded Iris spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Bearded Iris?
10-15 cm
When does Bearded Iris bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Bearded Iris edible?
No
Is Bearded Iris toxic?
Mild
What is Bearded Iris's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Bearded Iris pollinated?
Insect
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