How much sun does Prairie iris need?

Prairie iris grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Prairie iris bloom?

Prairie iris blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Prairie iris native?

Prairie iris (Iris savannarum) is native to AL, FL, GA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Prairie iris toxic to dogs?

Yes. Prairie 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 Prairie iris toxic to cats?

Yes. Prairie 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 Prairie iris attract?

Prairie iris draws native bees and bumble bees.

Prairie iris

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Iris savannarum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Prairie iris (Iris savannarum) is a perennial forb native to AL, FL, GA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and bumble bees.

Prairie 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

24"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, FL, GA

Pollinators

native bees, bumble bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain

A clump-forming iris with sword-like leaves and large, blue-violet flowers held on tall stalks. It grows in wet prairies and savannas, tolerating standing water for part of the year.

Growing Prairie iris

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

Wildlife value

Its showy flowers provide nectar and pollen for bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Prairie iris need?: Prairie iris grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Prairie iris bloom?: Prairie iris blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Prairie iris native?: Prairie iris (Iris savannarum) is native to AL, FL, GA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Prairie iris toxic to dogs?: Yes. Prairie 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 Prairie iris toxic to cats?: Yes. Prairie 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 Prairie iris attract?: Prairie iris draws native bees and bumble bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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