Research conducted and descriptions written by Burley Middle School 6th grade students in 2023 with minor editing by RCA staff.
The blue flag iris, also called Iris versicolor, is a flower with periwinkle petals that have yellow on the inside to guide pollinators to the center. It blooms from May to June, can grow up to three feet tall, and commonly lives in marshes, meadows, swamps, and areas with shallow water. This plant helps its ecosystem a lot. It is very good at growing and providing habitat around ponds. Many bugs such as bumble bees, skipper butterflies, and moths are attracted to this plant.
Fun fact: Some parts of the blue flag iris are poisonous, but it can also be used to make medicines for liver problems and other issues. Native Americans also used the outer petals and fibers to spin twine.