BLUEFLAG IRIS 



Iris versicolor Linnaeus 



Blueflag iris loves swamps and wet meadows because it requires 

 ample moisture in order to flourish. Its blue flowers attract bees and 

 other insects; these are necessary to the formation of viable seeds, for 

 the shape and arrangement of the petals are such as to make self pol- 

 lination impossible. The thick root is considered poisonous, and al- 

 though this is not fully substantiated, the foliage evidently contains 

 a repellent, for cattle never eat it The irises derive their name from 

 the Greek word meaning rainbow. 



Blueflag iris has a wide range, growing from the mountains of 

 North Carolina northward to Newfoundland. Closely related species 

 also occur in adjoining territory. 



The specimen sketched grew near Washington, District of Colum- 

 bia. 



PLATE 332. 



