Iris sibirica ssp. elegantissima is pale yellow or cream colored with dark markings on the falls and stands 8 to 12 inches high. It is native to northeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran and Armenia.

As a Siberian iris, it lacks the “beard” of colored hairs at the base of each fall that other iris groups have. Typically these irises grow together in thick clumps which keep out weeds, while the thin, grass like foliage remains a highlight throughout the summer. The classic 'Fleur de Lys' which has been a symbol of royalty throughout history was an adaptation of the iris flower. The name Iris was taken from the Greek goddess of the rainbow to symbolize the many colors of this flower.