Vernal Iris vs. Crested Iris: Two Tiny Wild Irises of North Georgia

Two dwarf irises bloom in North Georgia's mature hardwood forests:

Field Observation

Vernal iris carpets trails like the Len Foote Hike Inn path above Amicalola Falls in early April.

Vernal iris

Crested iris

Both are native perennials. Enjoy them in place; do not dig from wild populations.

About Gardening: Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata): A Native Woodland Groundcover; Crested Iris 'Nada': Iris cristata Cultivar; Growing Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris): Native Ground Cover; Managing Iris Rust Without Starting Over; Finding Wild Elderberries: Join a Native Plant Rescue; Millet in the Yard: Birdseed Volunteer; African Iris (Dietes bicolor): Identification and Care for Georgia Gardens; Spigelia (Indian Pink): Native Woodland Wildflower; Selaginella: The Charming Club Moss for Shady Groundcover; Identifying Volunteer Sorghum: Birdseed Escapee

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