I. cristata

On the east coast of the United States I. cristata grows in moist woodlands. I. cristata forms mats of fine wiry rhizomes with fans of leaves only 6 inches (15cm) tall.

I. cristata has many color forms from deep purple and dark blue to this sparkling pure white. It too is a woodland plant requiring some shade and is quite hardy.

Closely related to I. cristata is the tiny "Lake Iris" I. lacustris found only in the Great Lakes region of the United States. It only grows two inches (5 cm) tall. Usually blue here it is shown in a white form.

Another dwarf crested iris found in the United States is the quite rare I. tenuis. Endemic only to Clackamas county south east of Portland, Oregon this dwarf iris is usually white with varying amounts of purple markings.

Another small crested iris comes from Japan. I. gracilipes has fine grassy leaves and a very fine branched stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall.

I. gracilipes has several forms and colors including pure white and this unusual double form known as 'Blue Rose'.

In south east asia there are two more larger crested iris that are quite hardy. These are I. tectorum and I. milesii. I. tectorum is known as the "roof iris" from the fact that it is frequently cultivated on the thatched roofs in Japan and it's native China. A robust plant looking a lot like a bearded iris, it prefers a sunny location.

I. tectorum alba

I. tectorum grows to about 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm) with flowers 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in diameter. Here it is shown in the white form which comes true from seed.

I. milesii is like a taller I. tectorum with a branched stem and smaller more red purple flowers. It may reach 2 ½ feet (75 cm) in height and has fat green rhizomes. It comes from the Himalayas and also needs a sunny place in the garden.