been counted several times 2n=44, Randolph 1934 (ex Randolph & Mitra in Bulletin of the American Iris Society 140, in 1956) 2n=44 Riley 1942, 2n=42, R C Foster 1937 (as Iris hexagona var. giganticaerulea) and 2n=44, Randolph, 1966. Taxonomy It has the common name of Giant blue iris, or Giant blue flag. Note, the blue flag is normally Iris virginica. It was first published and described by Small (of the New York Botanical Garden,) in 'Addisonia' in 1929. In 1937, Foster thought that it was a variety of Iris hexagona and renamed it Iris hexagona var. giganticaerulea. In 1966, Randolph re-assessed it and classified it as a separate species. Between 1950 and 1990, a large argument was waged over the state flower of Louisiana. Then a compromise was reached whereby the Southern magnolia became the state flower and the giant blue iris the state wildflower. It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, and then updated on 2 December 2004. Distribution and habitat It is native to northern America. Range Iris giganticaerulea is native to Alabama, Louisiana, (on the west edge of Mississippi River), eastern Texas, and Mississippi in the United States. This constricted range is due to limited hardiness of the species. It grows in shallow freshwater, within roadside ditches, clearings within swamps (including cypress swamps,), wet meadows and marshes. It is tolerant of brackish water. Cultivation The Louisiana irises generally all have similar cultivation requirements, with minor differences. They need full sunlight or partial shade, moist, acidic soils (ph level of 6.5) with a high organic and high fertility content (or humus rich). For best flowering, moisture is essential during late autumn, winter and spring times (between October to May), when the plant starts to grow new leaves. They can be given a light feed between autumn and spring, if needed. Propagation is best carried out by division of the rhizomes. Which is best carried out in early autumn or early spring, when the plants are dormant. The ground must be prepared pre-planting, with the addition of a generous amount of organic matter and the soils dug to about 6 inches deep (to allow for new root growth). Plants require dividing every 3–4 years to promote good flowering. They can combine with other plants but tend to 'move' to suitable positions. If using a fertilizer, sprinkle around the