A beauty growing in the swamp

I found this plant growing in a wet roadside ditch. It looks similar to the hybrid irises you or your neighbor may have growing in the yard. But this beauty is native to the Southeast Missouri swamps and wetlands.

The copper iris blooms from late April through June. It has a slender yet sturdy stem with swordlike leaves. It usually grows to between 2 and 3 feet tall.

Because of swamp drainage and herbicide use to control "weeds" along ditches, copper iris habitat has been dwindling.

If you have a small pond or wet area on your property where you think the copper iris may grow, I'd like to direct you to Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for further information on this beautiful native flower.

The center is a great source of information on native plants and may be able to assist you in finding out where to purchase the native copper iris.