Quick answer: Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: D. Gordon E. Robertson, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Moist, rich soils, acidic pH |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Aug |
| Height | Up to 3 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds and birds, conspicuous flowers |
Poisonous to livestock. Poisonous parts: rhizomes/rootstocks, fresh or dry. Minor skin irritation when touched, low toxicity if ingested; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature if ingested
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Northern blue flag
Where is Northern blue flag native?
Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor) is native to 10 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Northern blue flag bloom?
Northern blue flag blooms May-Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Northern blue flag need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Moist-Wet. Soil: Moist, rich soils, acidic pH. Mature height: Up to 3 ft tall.
Is Northern blue flag good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds and birds, conspicuous flowers.
Is Northern blue flag deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Northern blue flag is deer-resistant and handles wet soil.
Is Northern blue flag toxic?
Poisonous to livestock. Poisonous parts: rhizomes/rootstocks, fresh or dry. Minor skin irritation when touched, low toxicity if ingested; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature if ingested.
Where can I buy real Northern blue flag seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Iris versicolor on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Northern blue flag.
- Sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia
- Scarlet beebalm Monarda didyma
- American cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Inkberry Ilex glabra
Also listed under
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