The blue flag iris is known as the “flower of Quebec” as the three petals represent the fleur-de-lis. Flag iris comes from the English word "flagge" meaning rush or reed. When people talk about the flag iris, they are usually referring to the wild iris. The family of flag irises includes the blue flag which is commonly found in boggy areas of the northeast.”

The Blue Flag Iris is easy to grow. It can survive submerged in ponds with three inches of water above its roots with loamy soil in a container, in full sun. In the garden plants may need a layer of mulch to retain moisture. Cut back the flowers after they finish blooming but wait until fall to cut back the leaves. People use the dried seed pods in arrangements.

Propagation is by the spreading of its rhizomes, thickened roots, and may be divided every two or three years after flowering. Its rhizomes are poisonous causing low toxicity if ingested and skin irritation.

 Its flat-out petals are attractive to feeding hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies. It is deer resistant.