Rhizomatous plant 20-50 cm. Leaves linear, glaucous green, 20-40 cm x 0.5-2.0 cm. Flowers light blue, 4-6 cm diam. V - mid-spring to late summer. Fl - June for 2-3 weeks. Fr - August. Propagation by seed and division. Prefers sunny places, but can grow successfully in shady places. Cultivated since the XVI century, used in hybridization for selection of dwarf bearded irises. Suitable rock gardens and group planting. Z 5 (4).

Siberia (southern regions), Kazakstan, eastern Mongolia, northwestern China and Afghanistan. Steppe meadows, turf slopes.

(I. ensata auct., non Thunb.)