''Iris hexagona'', commonly known as the Dixie iris, is a species in the genus ''
Iris
Iris most often refers to:
*Iris (anatomy), part of the eye
* Iris (color), an ambiguous color term
*Iris (mythology), a Greek goddess
* ''Iris'' (plant), a genus of flowering plants
* Iris (given name), a feminine given name, and a list of peopl ...
'', it is also in the subgenus '' Limniris'' and in the series '' hexagonae''. It is a
rhizomatous
In botany and dendrology, a rhizome ( ) is a modified subterranean plant stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. Rhizomes are also called creeping rootstalks or just rootstalks. Rhizomes develop from axillary buds and grow hori ...
perennial
In horticulture, the term perennial ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the year") is used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. It has thus been defined as a plant that lives more than 2 years. The term is also ...
with long bright green leaves, long thin stem and has small groups of flowers in shades of blue, from violet, to bluish purple, to lavender. It flowers in springtime and is native to the southeastern and south-central US states.
Description
''Iris hexagona'' has thick (around 2–2. cm in diameter), greenish, branching rhizomes, that can spread to form large colonies of plants. The rhizomes are shallow rooted and can spread up to per plant.
Arising from the rhizomes are the basal leaves, which are yellow-green to bright green and sword-shaped.Stephen Elliott (1821) They can grow up to between ,Edwin B. Smith (or 2 feet), and between wide. They overlap at the base, similar to a fan, but some leaves grow on the flowering stem. After the plant has flowered, the leaves wither and die, to re-grow in the autumn (for the next season).
The flowering stem (or stalk) grows up to between or 12–36 inches). The stem is usually straight but sometimes slightly zig-zag, or
The Louisiana irises generally all have similar cultivation requirements. They need 6 hours of full sunlight per day,), moist, acidic soils (pH of 6.5) with a high organic and fertility content.Neil G. Odenwald and James R. Turner They have a high moisture requirement during the growing season to be able to flower prolifically.
The new leaves grow in the autumn and consequently suffer in winter (if heavily frosted).
They can be used planted by the edges of ponds and pools or they can be planted in the water – but need the rhizomes pinned into the ground to stop them floating away.
If grown in borders, they need a mulch to retain moisture (in the soil) and to protect the rhizomes from sun burn.
The iris seed is not hard to raise, but does take many years to germinate and then they take 3–5 years before reaching flowering stage.Nick Romanowski The seed should be sown before they dry out.
''
Iris brevicaulis
''Iris brevicaulis'' is a species in the genus ''Iris'', it is also in the subgenus '' Limniris'' and in the series '' Hexagonae''. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from North America. It has bright green, glossy long leaves, a long zig-zagged ste ...
'' and ''Iris hexagona'' are primarily pollinated by bumblebees.
Propagation is best carried out by division of the rhizomes, which is best carried out in late summer or autumn when the plants are dormant. The ground must be prepared before planting, with the addition of a generous amount of organic matter and the soils dug to about deep (to allow for new root growth). Plants require dividing every 3–4 years to promote good flowering. They can combine with other plants but tend to 'move' to suitable positions. If using a fertilizer (or feed), sprinkle in late January or February, before the plant is in flower.
'' Iris giganticaerulea'' and ''Iris hexagona'' are considered too tender for cultivation in the UK, although in Kew Gardens (in London) the plant is grown in a rock garden, near a stream. Botanist
William Rickatson Dykes
William Rickatson Dykes (4 November 1877 – 1 December 1925) was an English amateur botanist who became an expert in the field of iris breeding and wrote several influential books on the subject. He was also interested in tulips, amaryllis, an ...
recommends a sheltered position.
It is thought to be
hardy
Hardy may refer to:
People
* Hardy (surname)
* Hardy (given name)
* Hardy (singer), American singer-songwriter Places Antarctica
* Mount Hardy, Enderby Land
* Hardy Cove, Greenwich Island
* Hardy Rocks, Biscoe Islands
Australia
* Hardy, ...
to in the UK.
In the US, they best grown in the southeastern states.
It is listed as a native plant to be suitable use in landscaping in
Georgia
Georgia most commonly refers to:
* Georgia (country), a country in the South Caucasus
* Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the southeastern United States
Georgia may also refer to:
People and fictional characters
* Georgia (name), a list of pe ...
.Bonnie Harper-Lore and Maggie Wilson (editors)
The rhizomes (thickened roots) of ''Iris hexagona'' contain poison. If eaten, it could cause
nausea
Nausea is a diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort, sometimes perceived as an urge to vomit. It can be a debilitating symptom if prolonged and has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, abdomen, or back of the throat.
Over 30 d ...
, vomiting, abdominal pain,
diarrhoea
Diarrhea (American English), also spelled diarrhoea or diarrhœa (British English), is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements in a day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration d ...
and an elevated temperature. The roots, seeds and plant sap can also cause skin irritation if touched.
Research has also been carried out on the effects of saltwater on the ''Iris.'' Normally, saltwater getting into a wetland ecosystem can destroy or damage many native plant populations. ''Iris hexagona'' is a salt-sensitive species. The 2-year research found that saltwater affected the iris flowering times by several days, since ''Iris'' flowers are only receptive to pollinators for 2 days or less. This could have significant effects on iris colonies. It also means that the iris can be 'stressed' during episodic events (such as tropical storms).
References
Sources
*Correll, D. S. & H. B. Correll. 1975. Aquatic and wetland plants of southwestern United States, 2 vol.
*Correll, D. S. & M. C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas.
*Duncan, W. H. & J. T. Kartesz. 1981. Vascular flora of Georgia: an annotated checklist.
*Godfrey, R. K. & J. W. Wooten. 1979–1981. Aquatic and wetland plants of southeastern United States, 2 vol.
*Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 107–108.
*Radford, A. E. et al. 1964. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas.
*Thomas, R. D. & C. M. Allen. 1993–. Atlas of the vascular flora of Louisiana.
*Wunderlin, R. P. 1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida.
*Marie Caillet (Editor), 2000, The Louisiana Iris: Taming of a North American Wildflower.
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