Iris missouriensis
Common name: Rocky Mountain iris, western blue flag
Iris missouriensis, a native to the grasslands of western and central North America, is an herbaceous perennial collected along the Missouri River by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806. This beardless iris is considered a wetland plant preferring high soil moisture in spring and drier conditions in summer.
I. missouriensis blooms from May to June. Its violet-blue flowers with white or golden-yellow markings sit on top of stout, leafless stalks which are about half a metre tall. These flowers are nectar-rich and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. I. missouriensis has blue-green, sword-shaped, basal leaves. This plant contains mild toxins making it less palatable to most herbivores, and it is considered deer-resistant.
In Alberta, I. missouriensis is threatened by habitat loss due to changes in land use, encroachment of alien species, and trampling by grazing cattle.
You'll find Iris missouriensis in Bed 24B near the rain garden.
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe