Wild Iris – 6/9/13

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/9/13

Observation Time: 2:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area

Common Name: Wild Iris

Scientific Name: Iris virginica shrevei

Comments: These gorgeous flowers bloom in spring around Sharon. These are also known as Harlequin Blueflag and Northern Blue Flag. Look for them in swamps, marshes, and wet shorelines from Virginia to Canada. Watch honeybees and native bees land on the large petal, which must look AMAZING in their ultraviolet-shifted vision, and scoot down into the nectary through the roofed-over passage. Sometimes they’ll exit on the side if they are small enough.

More Information: Backyard and Beyond