Natural Highlights: Copper Iris

Designated as one of Tennessee's threatened species, the Copper Iris (Iris fulva) is native to southern wetlands, including those found in the Wolf River floodplain. The distinctive reddish blooms appear in May and can be glimpsed near the Wolf River Greenway at Epping Way, Kennedy Park, Wolf River Crossing and other locations.  Copper irises are pollinated by both hummingbirds and bumblebees and make nice additions to the home garden, doing well in soil that is kept moist. The plant spreads slowly via rhizomes and has narrow, sword-shaped leaves.

For more on the Copper Iris, visit these links:

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IRFU

https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/copper-iris