Information About the Tennessee State Flower: The Iris

In 1933, Tennessee's legislature made the iris the state cultivated flower. Though no specific species or color was designated, Tennesseans generally regard purple iris as the emblem. The German (bearded) iris is widely grown across the state.

Types

Iris is a group native to diverse Northern Hemisphere habitats. Most are deciduous, losing leaf fans in autumn, regrowing in spring. They grow from bulbs (e.g., Japanese iris, Iris reticulata) or more commonly from rhizomes (bearded, Louisiana, Siberian irises).

Floral Uniqueness

The iris blossom (fleur-de-lis) is a showy collection of parts. Three large petals—pendent, reflexed, or spreading—are "falls." Three additional "standards" are slightly smaller, held erect or horizontally. Center has a three-part style (female). On falls, a fuzzy collection of male stamens at the style base cascades as a "beard."

Color

Iris species come in vast color arrays, often multiple colors per flower. Wild species bloom in purple, blue-violet, white with yellow accents. Hybridization has produced orange, yellow, baby blue, light green, blackish purple, red-orange. Pure red remains elusive but enthusiasts keep trying.

Growing Requirements

General guidelines: well-draining, fertile soil, pH 6.0–8.0 (slightly acidic to lightly alkaline). Full sun best; light/dappled afternoon shade acceptable. Transplant bulbs/rhizomes mid-summer to early autumn after flowering. Iris sap can cause skin rash/itching. Avoid ingestion—causes severe stomach pain.

Dual State Flower Status

Tennessee has two state flowers: the iris (cultivated, non-native, 1933) and the purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, wildflower, 1919), also called may-pop, ocoee, flowering apricot.

The iris holds a special place in Tennessee's horticultural heritage.