Iris ensata flowers are bright purple with small yellow signals from early to mid summer. The standards and falls are flatter than those of the bearded irises, resulting in the entire flower being noticeably flatter. Iris ensata commonly as known as Japanese iris, is native to Japan, China, Korea and Russia. These tall, clump forming plants grow well along the edges of streams and ponds where they thrive in rich, moist soil. They are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies while resistant to deer and rabbits. The name Iris was taken from the Greek goddess of the rainbow to symbolize the many colors of this flower. The classic ‘Fleur de Lys’ which has been a symbol of royalty throughout history was an adaptation of the iris flower.