Blue Ridge Parkway Guide by Virtual Blue Ridge Virtual Blue Ridge Home PageOfficial Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation StoreContact UsBlue Ridge Parkway Foundation
Information | Maps | Parkway Tour | Lodging | Activities | Food | Photos | News & Events | Real Estate | Store

Visit Historic Valle Crucis at Milepost 292 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

You Are Here: Home Page » Parkway Info » Parkway Nature » Wildflowers » Dwarf Iris

General Description

Uses

Resource Links
 

Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Parkway - Dwarf Iris

General Description

Dwarf Iris (Iris verna) can be found along the Parkway in semi-shaded woodlands and areas with low nutrient soil. It's light to deep blue, sometimes violet colored, petals can typically be seen in March and April. The leaves can stay evergreen in warmer climates, and the plant tends to grow together in clumps instead of spreading out.

This perennial plant is also known as dwarf violet iris, slender blue flag, and violet iris.

Back to Top

Uses

The Dwarf Iris has a history of medicinal uses although the same components of the plant have proven to cause toxicity in larger quantities. Native Americans used the root of the plant to make a laxative tea, and a compound for sores. The root has also been used to treat ulcers, and can be taken for the liver.

Back to Top

Resource Links

Google Search
 
VBR eNews:
  
Sign up to have Blue Ridge Parkway news delivered to you! Or, follow us on Twitter:
Follow Virtual Blue Ridge on Twitter.
 
  Looking for a vacation cabin rental or hotel?
 
 

Send Us Your Photos
Share your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway photos and stories with fellow Parkway enthusiasts.
 
 

Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway Store - Books, Videos, Souvenirs and More

Kimberley Isler and Coldwell Banker in the High Country of North Carolina

Alpen Acres Motel - Blowing Rock, NC

Go Blue Ridge Card - The Blue Ridge Parkway Attraction Pass

Paradise Valley Estates in North Fork, NC off Milepost 291 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Action Cycle Sports at Milepost 298 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Advertise Here

 
home | advertise | contact us | blue ridge parkway store | blue ridge parkway foundation                                           ©2000-2010 All Rights Reserved