Wildflowers of the United States

Dwarf Violet Iris, Vernal Iris, Spring Iris, Upland Dwarf Iris - Iris verna

Genus Common Name: Iris

Native Status: Native

Iris verna - Dwarf Violet Iris, Vernal Iris, Spring Iris, Upland Dwarf Iris. Vernal Iris (USDA common name is Dwarf Violet Iris) leaves are up to about 4 to 5 inches tall, with the large, colorful blossom being predominant above the leaves during the blooming season - mid to late spring.

Iris verna is listed as endangered in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and threatened in Ohio.

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Distribution of Iris verna in the United States and Canada:

Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key
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Site: Rabun County, GA Date: 2010-April-30	Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
The blossom of Iris verna is lavendar to violet, with three petals arising above three showy sepals. The sepals have a yellowish-orange stripe, similar to I. cristata (Crested Dwarf Iris), but without the raised flutes found on the latter flower.

Site: Rabun County, GA Date: 2010-April-30	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D60 1/80f/5.6 200 Nikon Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm 4-5.6G ED 180mm (270 equiv)
Vernal Iris, aka Dwarf Violet Iris, grows from a rhizome. These four blossoms might be growing from the same rhizome, and thus would be part of a single plant.
Click on the photo for a larger image

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Iris verna initially published on USWildflowers.com 2010-05-29; Updated 2016-04-10

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All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2025
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Code Update 20230302