Dwarf crested Iris is a native species in the Iridaceae (iris) family that grows in North Carolina. It reaches only 4-9 inches tall and spreads to form a groundcover in its native peaty woodland habitat. It offers an early perennial spring bloom in partly shady areas and grows well in rock gardens and woodland sites. Following the blooms, the foliage is useful as a ground cover in the woodland shade. This plant grows best in partial sun to partial shade, preferring rich, well-drained soil but also grows in the difficult-to-manage dry shade. A too rich soil will encourage foliage growth and no blooms. It can tolerate full sun but needs more moisture. Use this plant for a ground cover in partly shady areas of rock gardens, woodland sites or in a perennial border. It is resistant to damage by deer. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and snails are occasional problems. More information on Iris .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Slugs and Snails Found on Flowers and Foliage; Narcissus Bulb Fly; Potato Aphid on Ornamental Plants
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Deer; Drought; Dry Soil; Fire
Particularly resistant to
This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.
Propagation
Division; Seed
Fire risk
low flammability
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Roots; Sap/Juice; Seeds
Poison symptoms
Nausea, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap. It causes only low toxicity if eaten. Skin irritation lasts for a few minutes. Highest concentration in rhizomes
Toxic principle
Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin), Irisin, iridin, or irisine