Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Bearded Iris
MainColor	Violet
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	June
ImageUrl	Iris-002
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Highly_Toxic

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

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

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

Active Compounds

Iridin, flavonoids, triterpenes.