Iris setosa, the Arctic Iris, is native to the northern parts of North American and into Asia. It is a perennial growing to 0.6 meter by 1 meter. The flowers are consisting of 3 sepals and 3 petals. The blue flowers have darker veins. They are borned on a small erect stem, about 18 inches high. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite, have both male and female organs. The plant is self-fertile. Smooth-textured green leaves, 30 to 60 cm high, and 1.5 to 2.5 cm wide. The plant spreads by means of its modified stems, rhizomes, which are located below the soil surface. Hardiness zones 2-8, (-43øC/-45øF, -10øC/15øF) in Winter. Requires a cold dormant period in Winter, does not do well in warm climates. The plant prefers light sandy and medium loamy well-drained soils. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It requires moist or wet soil and dislikes dry soils. It can grow in semi-shade or no shade.