Iris versicolor Blue flag (Iridaceae)

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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].

General Uses: A fine blue infusion is obtained from the flowers and this can be used as a litmus substitute to test for acids and alkalis[4]. The leaves have been used to weave baskets and mats[257]. Some native North American Indian tribes used the root as a protection against rattlesnakes. It was believed that, so long as the root was handled occasionally to ensure the scent permeated the person and their clothes, rattlesnakes would not bite them. Some tribes even used to chew the root and then hold rattlesnakes with their teeth and were not bitten so long as the scent persisted[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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