Herb latin name: Iris filifolia


Synonyms: Iris juncea


Family: Iridaceae (Iris Family)



Edible parts of Iris filifolia:

Bulb - cooked. Used as a vegetable.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Bulb


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
June

Habitat of the herb:

Sandy and limestone soils in dry rocky places.

Propagation of Iris filifolia:

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. 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 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:

Sandy and limestone soils in dry rocky places.

Medicinal use of Iris filifolia:

None known

Known hazards of Iris filifolia:

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.