Beachhead iris, beachhead flag

This average-sized (30 to 50 cm) rhizomatous plant grows in clumps. It is smaller and has narrower leaves than larger blue flag (see descriptive record). Its purplish-blue flowers also have shorter and narrower petals. Its fruit is a cylindrical, green, 2.5 cm by 1.25 cm capsule that turns pale brown when it ripens. Beachhead iris flowers or leaves may vary in colour in some locations.