Iris pumila, also known as dwarf iris or dwarf iris, is probably the result of a natural cross between Iris pseudopumila Boissier & Heldreich and Iris atica Tineo. Its distribution area extends from Austria across Eastern Europe and the Balkans to the Eurasian steppe, i.e. Ukraine, southern Russia, southern Siberia and northern Kazakhstan, including the Caucasus and Turkey.

Iris pumila is characterised by a single flower that sits about 10-20 cm above the ground on an elongated, tubular body of the perianth, with the ovary resting almost on the rhizome of the stem. The flower is protected by two spathes that are round in cross-section. The colour of the flowers varies: yellow and purple or violet are the most common colours, but there are also blue, cream or white flowers. Sometimes there are also mixed colours, but these are characterised by a dark spot in the lower part.

Since the middle of the 20th century, Iris pumila has been widely cultivated in horticulture, resulting in a large variety of modern dwarf irises.