Tough-Leaf Iris is also known as Swamp Iris.

Plant is an upright, smooth perennial from an underground stem that promotes new growth. Preferred habitat is the margin of swamps, marshes, wet ditches and rich pastures. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

Leaves are alternate on the stem; mostly basal; no teeth and no lobes.

Flowers are in terminal clusters, subtended by leaf-like bracts; symmetrical in shape; bisexual; pale violet (appears white) with dark veins. Petals are shorter than sepals, which have a bluish patch toward the base. Flowers occur in the spring.

Fruit is a capsule.

The Latin describes this iris as being tough, holding fast, tenacious, persistent, steadfast, stubborn and obstinate. This is certainly the case as the plant usually thrives in the very heart of swamp lands located directly in the mainstream of a flood zone.