Nature Notes: Irises

Two kinds of native irises can be found in Georgia, and we saw both of these on our hike on the Bear Creek trail near Ellijay.  The "dwarf crested iris" (Iris cristata) has fuzzy crests (a lot more going on in terms of flower ruffles!) while the "dwarf iris" (Iris verna) has more simple lines.  They are also somewhat different shades of blueish purple.  I think it really helps to figure out the differences between these two species when you can compare them on the same hike.

  Here is a link to more information about irises:

www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/iris_verna.shtml

Don't miss the Gennett Poplar on this hike-- it's the second largest tree in Georgia.
 

Dwarf crested iris

dwarf iris