UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Butterfly-flower

Herb Icon Cultivated Flower     Mildly Toxic
Image of Butterfly-flower
Iris japonica
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Butterfly-flower
Scientific Name Iris japonica
MainColor Purple
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found April (Mar - May)
ImageUrl Iris-006
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbotsbury
Country Found UK
Last Updated 10 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

Iris japonica is a rhizomatous perennial with delicate, fringed petals and a striking combination of pale blue and white flowers, accented with orange and purple markings. The plant typically grows to a height of 30-50 cm and blooms in late spring. Its sword-shaped leaves are evergreen, providing year-round interest.

Distribution

Native to China and Japan, Iris japonica is often found in woodland areas and along forest margins. It has been introduced to other regions, including parts of Europe and North America, where it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility

Inedible - not suitable for human consumption due to potential toxic compounds.

Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic
Mildly Toxic Mildly_Toxic

Mildly Toxic - ingestion may cause stomach upset and skin irritation upon contact with sap.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling.

Active Compounds

Isoflavones, iridin, tannins.

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