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Blue flag Iris (Iris versicolor )

Bloodroot | Stillwater, MN

This species is commonly found in and around ponds and wetlands throughout our region. While its roots are actually poisonous, parts of it were considered medicinal by many cultures, and some pieces are still used in holistic and alternative medicine today. The flower has evolved a rather ingenious means of pollenating itself. To get at the nectar "bait" a pollinating insect must crawl across first the male and then the female parts of the flower, almost guaranteeing pollination.

Blue Flag Irises are great for native gardens in a wetland area, or pond gardens. They prefer to have their feet wet, so they're safe to plant in areas that get a lot of moisture. Blue Flag Irises can be cultivated from bulbs, but be careful what you buy. Some strains of Blue Flag Iris are not from Minnesota, and will not be as helpful to the native plants and wildlife.

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