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

UK Bearded Iris3

Herb Icon Cultivated Flower     Toxic
Image of Bearded Iris
Iris germanica
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Bearded Iris
Scientific Name Iris germanica
MainColor Purple
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found June (May - Jun)
ImageUrl Iris-002
Photographer DP
Location Found Bedmond
Country Found UK
Last Updated 01 September 2026
Photo Quality B

Flower Details

Description

A popular ornamental perennial grown for its striking, large flowers with bold colors and intricate patterns. The "beard" refers to the fuzzy strip on the falls (lower petals). Leaves are sword-shaped and form dense clumps.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean region. Widely cultivated across the UK in gardens, with occasional escape into the wild.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Dried rhizomes (orris root) have been used historically in perfumes, cosmetics, and as a fixative in potpourri.

Edibility

Not edible – rhizomes are toxic.

Human Toxicity Toxic
Toxic Highly_Toxic

All parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes, contain irritating compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation in humans and pets.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Highly toxic to pets – ingestion can cause severe stomach upset, drooling, and lethargy.

Active Compounds

Iridin, flavonoids, triterpenes.

Quality Issue

Flower only

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