Skip to main content
← Plants for Bees
Dwarf Violet Iris
Dwarf Violet Iris botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Dwarf Violet Iris

Iris verna
In the United States: Native · also called Dwarf Iris, Vernal Iris, Upland Dwarf Iris

Dwarf Violet Iris offers early spring nectar and pollen to honeybees, with peak bloom typically in April when few other sources are available. The compact flowers in partial shade woodlands support foraging but produce limited surplus due to small size. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soils and may need deer protection in open areas.

Nectarlow
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) March–May
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
BeeAI — Ask the old beekeeper
Hey there, honey. Ask me anything about your bees.