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Leopard Flower

Iris domestica

Last reviewed: October 2026

Leopard Flower (Iris domestica)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子

Leopard Flower is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Leopard Flower

Leopard Flower is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Leopard flower produces striking orange blooms with dark red spots during summer months, followed by decorative seed pods. This clumping perennial forms neat, sword-like foliage that adds vertical interest to garden beds.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Leopard Flower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The bright summer flowers attract bees and butterflies for nectar. The seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Leopard Flower need?
Leopard Flower grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Leopard Flower bloom?
Leopard Flower blooms in June, July, and August.
Is Leopard Flower toxic to dogs?
Yes. Leopard Flower 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 Leopard Flower toxic to cats?
Yes. Leopard Flower 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 Leopard Flower attract?
Leopard Flower draws bees and butterflies.
Is Leopard Flower HOA-friendly?
Leopard Flower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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