Back to species databaseForb / Wildflower

Copper Iris

Iris fulva

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium
Bloom time
May–Jun
Bloom color
Red

About Copper Iris

Copper Iris is a breathtaking beauty that stands out among North American irises for its extraordinary range of warm, coppery-red blooms. Unlike the common blue and purple varieties, this species produces striking flowers in shades of terra cotta, burnt orange, and rich vermillion, often accented with delicate yellow signals. Reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height, its slender, sword-like foliage remains attractive throughout the season. Native to the wet meadows, swamps, and ditches of the central United States (primarily the Mississippi Valley), it is a water-loving plant that thrives in full to partial sun. The unique color of its blossoms is a primary draw for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which eagerly visits the flowers for nectar. Copper Iris is an exceptional choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or any consistently moist spot in the landscape. It is remarkably resilient, being both deer and rabbit resistant, and will slowly spread via rhizomes to form a beautiful, flowering colony. For best results, ensure the soil remains moist, especially during the spring blooming period.

Native range

Native to 12 states:

AlabamaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisKentuckyLouisianaMissouriMississippiOhioTennesseeTexas

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Iris fulva

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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