Iris cristata (dwarf crested iris)

This short, creeping iris spreads rapidly and makes a great woodland ground cover. The exquisite blooms are short-lived, lasting only about a week in late April.. The plant will grow in a range of light conditions from part sun to full shade. It prefers dry to medium moisture, making it one of the few ground covers to thrive in dry shade. Because it has shallow roots it is useful in rocky locations.