The Dwarf Crested Iris is very petite but it but on quite a show in the early spring.   It is a low growing, spreads by colonizing that typically grows to 3 – 6 inches tall.   The Iris bloom is smaller than most irises but stands out against the soft green leaves.   The flower stems are quite short and has narrow sword shaped leaves.    The flowers can be pale blue, lilac or lavender with a gold crest in the center of the petal.   When in flower, a well developed bed can produce a spectacular drift of blue color.   It likes part shade in moist humus soils and is most often found in woodland area.

The Cherokee made a tea for liver ailments or a root decoction for yellowish urine.  They would also pulverized roots in lard, sheep suet, or beeswax to make a salve for skin ulcers.