Flower ID: IMG_6371.JPG-06-12-2023 Flower name (scientific): Iris versicolor Linnaeus PY: 1753. Pronunciation guide: (phonetic spelling) EYE-riss VER-suh-kuh-lor Flower name (common): Blue Flag Family name (common): Iris Family name (scientific): Iridaceae Scientific name origin: Genus: From the Greeek iris. In Greek mythology iris was the goddess who served as the messenger of the gods, and who took the form of a rainbow. A reference to the many colors displayed by a number of the species in this genus. Specific epithet: Having various colors, referring to the color variation in the flowers. Common name origin: Blue indicates the flower coloration. Flag from old English flagge, denotes a plant with an ensiform leaf shape and often applied to reeds or rushes growing in moist habitats. Now more commonly associated with members of the Iris family. Flower description: Size: 3.0 to 4.0 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) Petal count: 3 petals and 3 petal-like sepals Color: blue Other: flower arrangement, None Plant description: Size: 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) Stem hairy: Other: Leaf description: attachment is basal, type is simple Size: Color: Hairy: Other: Shape: leaf, basal narrowly ensiform, cauline linear-lanceolate (FNA) Origin (native, introduced, invasive): Native Status (common, uncommon, threatened, rare): Common Bloom time (typical): June to July Cycle (annual, biennial, perennial): Perennial Habitat: Meadows, streambanks, marshes, lake and pond margins, wet, partial sun to sun. Fruit: Seed: Importance to wildlife: Similar species (if any): Iris virginica (Southern Blueflag) is similar to Iris versicolor. Iris virginica has sepals with a yellow patch at the base of the blade, whereas Iris versicolor has sepals with a pale yelloww patch with dark purple streaks at the base of the blade. Ethnobotany: The Meskwaki employed the roots of this plant as a medicine to treat colds and lung issues. A preaparation from the roots was also used to treat burns and sores (Smith, p. 224, 1928). The Chippewa utilized the roots to prepare a treatment for sores (Gilmore, p. 126, 1933). The Ojibwe used the roots to prepare an emetic and they also utilize it as a snake repellent (Smith, pp. 371, 430, 1932). Latitude: 44.803818 Longitude: -91.527008 Altitude: 235.60 Distribution: In Wisconsin: (Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Polk, Portage, Price, Richland, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood) Click here for distribution map In US: (CT, DC, DE, ID, IL, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI) Click here for distribution map In Canada: (LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, QC) Click here for distribution map References: Synonym(s): Basionym: na Homotypic Synonym(s): Heterotypic Synonym(s): Autonym: na Wetland Status (NC): OBL Wetland Status (MW): OBL