The Dwarf Iris (Iris verna) usually blooms in March into early May. It favors sandy or rocky woods and seems to prefer sterile acid soil. Oftentimes, it is found growing aside Birdfoot Violets along roadside open spaces between the roadway and woodlands.
This is in contrast to the Crested Dwarf Iris (Iris cristata) which usually blooms during April and May in rich wooded slopes often along small creek beds.
Both of these species are fairly common in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
(Also see this photograph in larger format, and earlier articles from 2/11/01, 5/19/05, and 12/21/05.)
Copyright © 2006 William T. Hathaway.