Herb: Roof Iris


Latin name: Iris tectorum


Family: Iridaceae (Iris Family)



Edible parts of Roof Iris:

Root - an edible starch is said to be extracted from it. Some caution is advised since there are reports that the plant might be poisonous. Perhaps the extracted starch is edible.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Grows wild on shady rocky slopes and in scrub, it is also found planted on thatched roofs in Japan. Forest margins, sunny banks, meadows, damp places, beside water to 3500m.

Propagation of Roof Iris:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Stored seed does not require cold conditions in order to stimulate germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first year. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division, best done in July/August after flowering. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Grows wild on shady rocky slopes and in scrub, it is also found planted on thatched roofs in Japan. Forest margins, sunny banks, meadows, damp places, beside water to 3500m.

Medicinal use of Roof Iris:

None known

Known hazards of Iris tectorum:

Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised. The roots are especially likely to be toxic. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.