Iris versicolor
Iris versicolor, also known as the blue flag, harlequin blueflag, larger blue flag, northern blue flag, and poison flag, is a species of Iris native to North America. It is common in sedge meadows, marshes, and along streambanks and shores. The specific epithet versicolor means "variously colored".
Description[edit | edit source]
Iris versicolor is a perennial herb, 10–80 cm high, forming dense clumps from a network of creeping rhizomes. The unwinged, erect stems generally have basal leaves that are more than 1 cm wide. Leaves are folded on the midribs so that they form an overlapping flat fan. The well developed blue flower has 6 petals and sepals spread out nearly flat and have two forms. The longer sepals are hairless and have a greenish-yellow blotch at their base. The inferior ovary is bluntly angled. Flowers are usually light to deep blue (purple and violet are not uncommon) and bloom during May to July.
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
Iris versicolor is native to North America where it is common in sedge meadows, marshes, and along streambanks and shores from Manitoba to Nova Scotia, south to Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental plant.
Uses[edit | edit source]
This iris is used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative properties. However, it is also known to be a potent emetic and needs to be used with caution.
Toxicity[edit | edit source]
All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing the toxic isoflavone iridin. If ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. It may also cause dermatitis when touched.
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
