This is a very small group of species, with pale purple flowers with darker veins in the large falls, the standards being very small. Like many of these irises, they need moisture to grow well, but must have sun to flower well.

Iris setosa var. arctica is a very compact form with grass-like leaves, which are a fresh green and sharply pointed. Each clump produces very many flowers, which are almost luminous in colour - lavender blue with silver marking. It is very hardy and is a great plant for the rock garden or a border edge.