Siberian Iris (Iris sanguinea): Japanese Iris, Blood-Red Species

Iris sanguinea, commonly known as Japanese Iris or Siberian Iris, is a beardless species native to northeast Asia. It produces elegant, slender-petaled flowers in shades of blue-purple to reddish-purple, often with a distinctive white signal patch on the falls. The species name sanguinea means "blood-red," referring to the deep color forms.

Taxonomic Profile

• Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Iris (EYE-ris)
• Species: sanguinea (san-GWIN-ee-a)
• Synonyms: Iris nertschinksia, Iris sibirica subsp. sanguinea, Iris sibirica subsp. orientalis

This species is a parent of modern Siberian iris hybrids (Iris sibirica hybrids), contributing its graceful form, narrow foliage, and tolerance for moist conditions. It blooms in late spring to early summer and forms dense, grassy clumps that are excellent for naturalizing near water features.