How much sun does Carolina iris need?

Carolina iris grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Carolina iris bloom?

Carolina iris blooms in April and May.

Where is Carolina iris native?

Carolina iris (Iris hexagona) is native to FL, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Carolina iris toxic to dogs?

Yes. Carolina iris is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Carolina iris toxic to cats?

Yes. Carolina iris is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Carolina iris attract?

Carolina iris draws bumble bees and swallowtail butterflies.

Carolina iris

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Iris hexagona

Last reviewed: September 2026

Carolina iris (Iris hexagona) is a perennial forb native to FL, SC. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bumble bees and swallowtail butterflies.

Carolina iris is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

FL, SC

Pollinators

bumble bees, swallowtail butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

This iris is an upright perennial forb with sword-shaped leaves and large blue-violet flowers with a distinctive six-sided seed pod. It grows in marshes and other consistently wet ground, spreading slowly by rhizomes.

Growing Carolina iris

Grow Carolina iris in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The showy flowers attract bumble bees and swallowtail butterflies, and the clumping foliage provides cover along wetland edges.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina iris need?: Carolina iris grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Carolina iris bloom?: Carolina iris blooms in April and May.
Where is Carolina iris native?: Carolina iris (Iris hexagona) is native to FL, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Carolina iris toxic to dogs?: Yes. Carolina iris is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Carolina iris toxic to cats?: Yes. Carolina iris is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Carolina iris attract?: Carolina iris draws bumble bees and swallowtail butterflies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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