Iris Herb

iris flowerA11 those mentioned are native of the northern hemisphere and are cultivated in varying conditions, from dry light soil (Orris - Iris 'Florentina') to damp boggy soils (Blue Flag Iris - Iris Versicolor).

The Greek word 'iris', meaning 'rainbow' and the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow, was appended to describe the plant's variable colors. The iris is one of the oldest cultivated plants - it is depicted on the wall of an Egyptian temple dating from 1500 BC. In this very large family, 3 stand out for their beneficial herbal qualities. Orris has a violet-scented root which has been powdered and used in perfumes since the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. The Latin Iris 'Florentina' depicts its association with Florence in the early Middle Ages. It is said to be the fleur de lys of French heraldry.

The blue flag iris is the common wetlands plant, native to eastern North America and exported from there to Europe. Employed by the Indians and early settlers as a remedy for gastric complaints, it was included in the United States Pharmacopeia and is still believed in folk medicine to be a blood purifier of use in eruptive skin conditions. Sometimes the plant is known as liver lily because of its purifying effect.

The root of the yellow flag iris, a native of the British Isles, was powdered and used as an ingredient in Elizabethan snuff. It was taken to America and Australia by the earliest settlers.

SPECIES

Iris 'Florentina'

Orris

Also known as Florentine Iris and Oris root. Hardy perennial. Ht 60cm-lm (2-3 ft). Spread indefinite. Large white flowers tinged with pale   I lavender and with a yellow heard appear early to midsummer. Green, sword-shaped leaves. The root stock is stout and rhizomatous with a violet scent. Grows well

throughout Europe and North America, except in the warm moist climate of Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Iris germanica

Purple Iris

Also known as Garden Iris, and Flag Iris.

Hardy perennial. Ht 60- 90cm (2-3ft), spread indefinite. The fragrant flowers are blue/violet, occasionally white, and form early to mid-summer. Leaves are greyish-green and sword-shaped. The root is thickish rhizome. There are many cultivated varieties. It is grown commercially for the rhizomes and, like Iris 'Florentina', is used in perfumery and pharmaceutical preparations.

Iris pseudacorus

Yellow Iris (Yellow Flag) Perennial. Ht 40cm-150cm (16in-5ft), spread indefinite. Flowers are bright yellow with radiating brown veins and very slightly scented. They appear early to midsummer. The root is a thick rhizome from which many rootlets descend.

Iris versicolor

Blue Flag Iris

Also known as Flag Lily, Fleur de Lys, Flower du Luce, Iris, Liver Lily, Poison Flags, Snake Lily, Water Flag and Wild Iris. Hardy perennial. Ht 30-100cm (12-39in), spread indefinite. Flowers claret-purple-blue in summer. Large, sword-shaped, green leaves. Root large and rhizomatous.

CULTIVATION

Propagation

Seed

All the irises produce large seeds, which take some time to germinate and often benefit from a period of stratification. As the seeds are of a good size, sow directly into an 8cm (3in) pot in autumn, using a peat, grit, hark mix of compost. Water in well, and cover the pots with cling film (to stop the mice eating the seed). Put outside to gel the weathers. Check that the compost remains damp. If there is any danger of it drving out, stand the container in water. This is especially important for blue and yellow flag irises.

Division

Divide the rhizome roots in late spring or early autumn. This suits all the varieties. Replant immediately in a prepared site. Leave a decent distance between plants; spread is indefinite.

Pests and Diseases

The only major pest is the iris sawfly. The darkish grey larvae feed along the leaf-margins, removing large chunks. Pupation takes place in the soil beneath or near the host plants, and the adult sawflies are on the wing during early to midsummer. Cut off infected leaves only if you find them unsightly- the plant will not be weakened. This is an annual pest and there is not much one can do to prevent it.

Maintenance

Spring: Divide roots of mature plants.

Summer: Collect the seeds as soon as ripe.

Autumn: Sow seeds and leave outside.

Winter: Fully hardy; no need for protection.

Garden Cultivation

Orris and common iris prefer a well-drained, rich soil and a sunny situation. When planting, make sure that part of the rhizomes are exposed.

Yellow and blue flag irises are marsh-loving plants, ideal for those with a pond or ditch or piece of boggy ground. They grow happily in semi-shade but need full sun in order to produce the maximum bloom. In deep shade it will not flower at all but will spread quickly by stout underground rhizomes. A measure of control will be necessary.

Harvest

The full violet fragrance of orris will not be apparent until the roots are 2 years old. Dig up these rhizomes in autumn and dry immediately.

Gather yellow flag flowers and roots for use as a dye, i early summer and autumn respectively.

Dig up blue flag roots in autumn and dry.

CONTAINER GROWING

These irises grow on strong rhizomes, so make sure that the container is strong enough, large enough, and so shaped that it will accommodate the plant happily and not blow over.

For the bog lovers use more peat than usual in the compost mix - up the ratio to 75%, but put lots of gravel and broken crocks in the bottom of the container to make up for loss of weight. For the dry gang, use a soil-based compost. Do not let either compost dry out. They become pot-bound very quickly, so split and repot every year.

OTHER USES

The violet-s( ented, powdered root of orris is used as a fresh scent to linen, a base for dry shampoos, a base for tooth powders, in face-packs, as a fixative in potpourris and as a dry shampoo.

Flowers of yellow flag make a good yellow dye, while the rhizomes yields a grey or black dye when used with an iron mordant.

MEDICINAL

Orris and yellow flag are rarely used medicinally nowadays. However, herbalists still use the blue flag as a blood purifyer acting on the liver and gall bladder to increase the flow of bile, and as an effective cleanser of toxins. It is also said to relieve flatulence and heartburn, belching and nausea, and headaches associated with digestive problems.

CULINARY

Apparently, if you roast the seeds of the yellow flag iris, they make an excellent coffee substitute.

Apart from this little gem, I cannot find any culinary uses for irises.