Iris virginica is a lovely, delicate iris native to the United States and Canada, from the east coast to the middle states as far west as Texas. The genus name Irisis named after the Greek Goddess of rainbows and the species name refers to the state of Virginia where it is found. The common name, "flag", comes from an old English word (flagge) for reeds and refers to its natural preference to wetlands.

Reaching a height of 2 to 2.5 feet clumps of bright green, somewhat droopy, strap shaped leaves are topped with light blue to violet flowers borne on naked stems in late spring. The falls are marked with white and can be crested with yellow frill.

It does best grown in moist to very wet, humusy to sandy soil and in boggy acidic areas in full sun. Growing even in 6 inches of fresh standing water, it should not be permitted to dry out during the growing season. These iris may be left in water over winter and can be used in pond borders of up to 6 inches deep. It will tolerate light shade in the warmer regions of its range. Southern flag iris spreads slowly by rhizomes which can be divided for propagation as clumps form. This iris is deer resistant.

Mass plant this native along a pond margin, water garden, rain garden, or other low lying damp area of the landscape.