Iris versicolor Blue flag (Iridaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Iris versicolor
Blue flag
(1 Page of 5)

The Iris versicolor plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Florida and Arkansas. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Blue flag. Some home gardeners know the variety as I. caroliniana.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Iris versicolor
Common Name:  Blue flag
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[65]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[238]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[238].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Swamps, wet meadows, scrub and by lakes and rivers[187]. Wetlands[21].

Medicinal Information: Blue flag was one of the most popular medicinal plants amongst various native North American Indian tribes[213]. In modern herbalism it is mainly employed to detoxify the body - it increases urination and bile production and has a mild laxative effect[254]. Some caution should be exercised in its use, however, since there are reports that it is poisonous[222]. The fresh root is quite acrid and when taken internally causes nausea, vomiting, colic and purging[4, 238]. The dried root is much less acrid[4]. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. The root is alterative, antiinflammatory, cathartic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and sialagogue[21, 46, 165, 238]. Taken internally as a tea, the root has been used as a strong laxative or emetic that also acts strongly on the liver and promotes the excretion of excess body fluids[4, 213]. It is also stimulant for the circulatory and lymphatic system[165]. Its detoxifying effect make it useful in the treatment of psoriasis, acne, herpes, arthritis, swollen glands, pelvic inflammatory disease etc[238, 254]. Externally, it is applied to skin diseases, wounds and rheumatic joints[238]. The roots are harvested in late summer and early autumn and are usually dried for later use[4, 238]. The roots were boiled in water and then mashed to make a poultice which was used to relieve the pain and swelling associated with sores and bruises[213].

For further Iris versicolor gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

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'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future