CRESTED IRIS 



Iris cristata Aiton 



The crested iris is dwarf in habit and its lance-shaped leaves of 

 bright green taper at each end. The flowers, which appear in May, 

 seem out of proportion to the size of the plant. Their broad outer divi- 

 sions or petals have yellow, raised flutings along the center, which give 

 rise to the name. This lovely plant yields easily to cultivation in a wild 

 garden, being relatively indifferent as to soil reaction, but requiring 

 plenty of humus and enough rocks to insure good drainage. 



The crested iris may be found from Georgia to Maryland and west to 

 Missouri and southern Indiana. 



This specimen was sketched at Plummets Island in the Potomac 

 River near Washington, District of Columbia. 



PLATE 33 



