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Iris tectorum - Maxim.

Common Name

Roof Iris, Wall iris, Japanese Roof, White Root Iris

Family

Iridaceae

USDA hardiness

5-9

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].

Habitats

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[266].

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Edibility Rating

(1 of 5)

Other Uses

(0 of 5)

Weed Potential

No

Medicinal Rating

(0 of 5)

Care (info)

Fully Hardy

Well drained soil

Moist Soil

Semi-shade

Full sun


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Summary

Bloom Color: Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

Iris tectorum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - an edible starch is said to be extracted from it[2, 105, 177]. Some caution is advised since there are reports that the plant might be poisonous. Perhaps the extracted starch is edible.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing, Seashore. Prefers a well-drained loam rich in leafmold with plenty of moisture in summer and an open sunny position[1, 42, 79, 200]. Requires a really well-drained soil that is dry rather than damp, and a hot sunny position[233]. Prefers a lime-free soil but succeeds in most good soils and in partial shade[79]. Succeeds in dry soils and, once established, is drought tolerant[190]. Cultivated for its edible root in Japan[2]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[233]. In China the plants are grown on the roofs of houses[190]. Plants do not flower so freely in cultivation in Britain. In their native habitat they experience cold dry winters and warm wet summers[187]. It is best to lift the plants in October, store them in sand in a cool frost free place over winter and replant in March[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Special Features: All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hainan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea TROPICAL ASIA: Myanmar (possibly)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Albizia lebbeck	Siris Tree, Woman's Tongue, East Indian Walnut	Tree	15.0	10-11	F	LMH	N	DM	1	2	4
Albizia lucidior	Potka siris tree	Tree	15.0	10-12	F	LMH	SN	M	0	0	3
Albizia procera	White Siris, Tall Albizia, Forest Siris	Tree	25.0	10-12	F	LMH	N	M	1	2	4
Bobartia indica	Rush Iris	Perennial	0.6	7-10	S	L	N	DM	0	0	1
Gynandriris sisyrinchium	Spanish Nut	Perennial	0.2	7-10		MH	SN	DM	1	0
Iris cristata	Crested Iris, Dwarf crested iris	Perennial	0.2	5-9	M	LM	SN	M	1	1
Iris decora		Perennial	0.3	-		LM	N	DM	0	1
Iris douglasiana	Mountain Iris, Douglas iris	Perennial	0.3	6-9		LM	SN	DMWe	0	0	1
Iris ensata	Japanese Water Iris	Perennial	0.6	5-8	M	LM	N	MWe	1	1	2
Iris filifolia		Bulb	0.5	-		LM	N	DM	1	0
Iris foetidissima	Stinking Gladwin, Stinking iris, Gladwin Iris	Perennial	1.0	7-10	M	LMH	FSN	DMWe	0	2	3
Iris germanica	Purple Flag, German iris, Orris-root, Tall Bearded German Iris, Bearded Iris	Perennial	1.0	4-10	M	LM	SN	DM	1	3	2
Iris germanica florentina	Orris, Orris-root	Perennial	0.9	5-10	M	LM	SN	M	1	3	3
Iris japonica		Perennial	0.6	-		LM	SN	DM	1	2	3
Iris kemaonensis		Perennial	0.5	-		LM	SN	DM	0	2
Iris macrosiphon	Bowltube Iris	Perennial	0.2	-		LM	SN	M	0	1	1
Iris missouriensis	Rocky Mountain Iris	Perennial	0.8	0-0		LM	SN	MWe	1	2	1
Iris pallida	Dalmation Iris, Sweet iris, Fragrant Iris, Zebra Iris	Perennial	1.0	4-10	M	LM	SN	DM	2	1	3
Iris pseudacorus	Yellow Flag, Paleyellow iris	Perennial	1.5	5-8	M	LM	SN	MWeWa	1	2	2
Iris purdyi	Purdy's Iris	Perennial	0.4	-		LM	SN	DM	0	0	1
Iris sanguinea	Blood iris	Perennial	0.8	5-9		LM	SN	MWe	0	1	1
Iris setosa	Beachhead Iris, Canada beachhead iris, Wild flag	Perennial	0.6	4-8	M	LM	SN	MWe	1	1	1
Iris sibirica	Siberian Iris	Perennial	0.6	4-9	F	LM	SN	MWe	1	1	1
Iris tenax	Tough-Leaf Iris, Klamath iris	Perennial	0.3	0-0		LM	SN	DM	0	1	2
Iris versicolor	Blue Flag, Harlequin blueflag	Perennial	0.6	4-8		LM	SN	MWe	0	3	2
Solanum tuberosum	Potato, Irish potato	Perennial	1.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	5	2	3
Tagetes filifolia	Irish Lace	Annual	0.4	8-11	F	LMH	N	DM	1	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Maxim.

Botanical References

58200266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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