Southern Pa. Hospitality Welcomes the Crested Dwarf Iris

Crested dwarf iris (Iris cristata) is one of those gems we so delight in stumbling upon during a spring hike. This is a southern Appalachian species that just barely makes it into Pennsylvania, extending into the state in extreme southern Greene County, and along Sideling Hill Creek in Fulton County. Once known as far north as Pittsburgh, the species was not seen in Pennsylvania since 1951, until WPC biologists Paul Wiegman and Lisa Smith rediscovered it near the Mason and Dixon Line, on the Conservancy's property along Sideling Hill Creek. The next year, Joe Isaac of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and long time friend of WPC, found the plant in Greene County, also close to the southern boundary of Pennsylvania.

The plants are only about six inches tall; so, like so many of our wildflowers, the pleasure comes from looking closely. Looking for spring wildflowers is an enjoyable way to hone your observational skills. Just be careful not to walk into a birder who is looking up as you are looking down!

Today's photo was taken by former WPC President Larry Schweiger.

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