The parents of this Louisiana iris are native to the bayous and wetland of the Gulf Coast of North America. Broad flowers of 'Black Gamecock' are a deep purple, almost black, with gold signals. 

It grows to about 3 feet high and 2 feet wide and blooms in early to mid-summer with 4-6 inch wide showy flowers. This iris will thrive in moist soil and partial shade and form clumps, which can be divided every few years in late summer or early fall.

The classic fleur de lis, which has been a symbol of royalty throughout history (and is a symbol of New Orleans), is an adaptation of the iris flower.