The Town Flower: Arctic Iris

The arctic iris is designated as the official flower of Akkeshi. This perennial flower grows in high altitude wetlands and moist meadows, and can be distinguished by its white center. It obtained its Japanese name, hiougi ayame, from the shape of its leaves, which greatly resemble a hiougi folding fan. Approximately 300,000 of these flowers can be seen blooming at the Ayamegahara Native Flower Garden.