Crested Iris
Iris cristata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Crested Iris is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–6" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, GA, IA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Crested iris is a delicate native wildflower that forms low spreading colonies through underground rhizomes. It produces charming blue-purple flowers with distinctive white and yellow crests in spring, followed by neat sword-like foliage that remains attractive through summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Crested Iris is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Foliage dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the spring blooming period. The low-growing colonies provide habitat for small beneficial insects.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Crested Iris and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.