Botanical Nerd Word: Signal

Signal: (in Irises) A patch of contrasting colour that surrounds or forms a flare on the falls (lower petals) and functions as a signal for pollinating insects.*

These irises, blooming in the Entry Garden Walk, have bright yellow signals on their blue petals.

*Austin, C. (2005). Irises: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia. Portland: Timber Press.