Blue flag iris9/3/2023 Showy, masses (3 to 5 per flower stalk) of blue, violet-blue, to purple flowers compliment many plants within the landscape. Photo by Sarah White, Associate Professor of Horticulture Nursery Extension Specialist Use and Benefits Iris versicolor in the Sustainable Landscape Demonstration Garden at Clemson University. Compounds exuded from the rhizome can also serve as a skin irritant, so gloves should be worn when dividing clumps.įigure 1. When extracted, this compound, often referred to as iridin (irisin or irisine), can induce low to moderate toxicity in humans or livestock if ingested. The compounds considered to be medicinally active are the oleoresinous compounds. Many compounds are contained within the roots of blue flag iris including starch, tannins, volatile oils, resins, organic acids, and alkaloids (1). Herbal medicine uses iris rhizomes to generate medicinally active treatments. The Potawatomi tribe used Iris versicolor leaves to weave mats and baskets (4). Iris virginica may have been one of the iris species used by Seminole Indians to treat shock induced by an alligator-bite. Iris roots are toxic if not prepared properly. virginica were harvested in late summer or early fall by multiple Native American tribes and used as de-toxicants (liver and kidney), dermatological aids, and pain-relievers (2, 3, 4). The fleur-de-lis is a heraldic device for the French royal family and is an official state symbol in Louisiana. It is also thought that the fleur-de-lis resembles the iris flower with 3 petals tied with a band. Harlequin blue flag is the provincial flower of Québec (Canada). versicolor are usually shorter or similar in height to the flowers. virginica typically extend above the flowers while the cauline leaves of I. Another method for differentiating between the two species is that of the height of leaves along the flower-stem (cauline leaves) (1). The signal of Iris virginica tends to be bright yellow, usually with a lot of obvious soft hairs with veining not as prominent as in Iris versicolor. The signal of Iris versicolor is greenish-yellow, rather flat, with few to no hairs and surrounded by a background of dark purple veins against a more or less white background. The signal (the colorful patch on the sepal) of each may be used to distinguish the two species. One major trait differentiating the two may be their native ranges, but because these ranges overlap, this distinction cannot be used as the primary distinguishing factor. In fact, they are often sold interchangeably in the trade as blue flag iris. It is difficult to differentiate between Iris versicolor and Iris virginica as both have similar growth habits, floral colors, and bloom times. Their common names, as they are virtually indistinguishable, include: blue flag, great blue flag, harlequin blue flag, water flag, poison flag, northern blue flag, southern blue flag, and dagger flower. Iris versicolor and Iris virginica, from the iris (Iridaceae) family, are two native plant species suited for use in rain gardens. These gardens can function as natural filters that improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and feature beautiful native, perennial plants. Photo by Sarah White, Associate Professor of Horticulture Nursery Extension SpecialistĪ rain garden is a shallow (6 – 12 inch deep) vegetated depression designed to capture stormwater runoff and allow the water to soak into the soil.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |