Top native irises

8 species, native to the US, ranked by caterpillars, then bees and other hosts, food, flowers and shelter.

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8 native plants

Sun and shade

Light

Full sun 5 Part shade 6

Soil and water

Moisture

Dry 1 Well drained 3 Moist 6 Wet 5

Water use

Low 1 Medium 4 High 2

Soil

Sand 2 Loam 3 Clay 1 Organic 3

Soil pH

Acid 8 Neutral 1 Alkaline 1

Toughness

Drought tolerant

Deer resistant

Resists

Wet soil 4 Diseases 1 Dry soil 1 Fire 1 Poor soil 1

Form

Habit

Erect 5 Clumping 3 Arching 1 Spreading 1

Plant type

Wildflower 7 Poisonous 5 Bulb 4 Perennial 4 Herbaceous perennial 3 Ground cover 1 Water plant 1