Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris (Iridaceae)

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Iris missouriensis
Rocky Mountain iris
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The Iris missouriensis plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to Mexico, east to South Dakota and Alberta. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Rocky Mountain iris.

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Latin Name:  Iris missouriensis
Common Name:  Rocky Mountain iris
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  Nutt.

Known Hazards:  Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[65]. An arrow poison was made from the ground-up roots[207]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[238].

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Meadows and streamsides[60]. Also found in pinewoods[79]. Often found in apparently dry situations, but always where moisture is abundant until flowering time[60].

Medicinal Information: Rocky Mountain iris was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat various complaints, but especially as an external application for skin problems[257]. It was for a time an officinal American medicinal plant[4], but is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The root is emetic and odontalgic[61, 257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints, stomach aches etc[257]. The pulped root is placed in the tooth cavity or on the gum in order to bring relief from toothache[207]. A decoction of the root has been used as ear drops to treat earaches[257]. A poultice of the mashed roots has ben applied to rheumatic joints and also used as a salve on venereal sores[257]. Caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity[K]. A paste of the ripe seeds has been used as a dressing on burns[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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