Iridaceae FAMILY

Iris germanica

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

The leaves, and especially the rhizomes, of this species contain an irritating resinous substance called irisin. If ingested this can cause severe gastric disturbances[ 274 Title Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Publication Author Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Website http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm Publisher Botanical Research Institute, Texas. Year 1999 ISBN 1-889878-01-4 Description An excellent flora, which is also available on-line. ]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[ 238 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].

Botanical Description

Iris germanica is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeThe original habitat is obscure, it is probably of hybrid origin.

HabitatDry rocky places[ 187 Title Perennials. Volumes 1 and 2. Publication Author Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Publisher Pan Books Year 1991 ISBN 0-330-30936-9 Description Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc. ]