Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, sturdy, round; from spherical bulb, .6 to 1.2 inch in diameter, dark, scaly.
- Leaves
- 1-4, grass-like, linear to sword-shaped, 5-18 inches long, 1/8 to 2/5 inch wide, folded together lengthwise, prominent ribs and furrows, tip pointed, 1 blade often exceeding inflorescence.
- Inflorescence
- 1-3 flowers, terminal on slender ascending branches; spathe bracts 2, nearly equal.
- Flower
- 1.6 to 2.8 inches across; perianth segments 6, similar, in 2 series, spreading, .8 to 1.4 inch long, blue, base lighter; stamens 3, opposite inner perianth segments, anthers oblong, 2/5 to 1/2 inch long, filaments short, thickened, united at base; styles 3, each divided into 2 threadlike branches, stigmas tiny, spherical.
- Fruit
- Capsule, egg-shaped, .6 to 1 inch long, .4 to .6 inch wide; seeds numerous, 1/6 inch long, rust-colored.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Moist to dry prairies and open oak woods; limestone or chalk soils.
- Distribution
- Southeast 1/4 of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
Each flower lasts only a day. The flowers usually open in the morning and close before sunset. The perianth segments curl by mid-afternoon.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Iridaceae - Iris Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 5-20 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-11-07
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: April, May