Bearded irises are identified by thick, bushy "beards" on each of the falls (lower petals) of the blossoms. Originally, most bearded irises were native to central and southern Europe. Some bearded irises are "rebloomers", blooming again in the summer, fall or winter.
The smallest of the bearded iris class is the miniature dwarf bearded. These irises grow no taller than 8 inches. They usually have small and dainty flowers that measure from 1.6" - 3" wide. The miniatures are typically are the first bearded irises to bloom in the spring and also have little or no branching.