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Iris missouriensis - Nutt.

Common Name Rocky Mountain Iris
Family Iridaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
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].
Habitats 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].
Range Western N. America - British Columbia to Mexico, east to South Dakota and Alberta.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain Iris


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain Iris
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Iris missouriensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Coffee

The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[177, 183].

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.
Analgesic  Diuretic  Emetic  Odontalgic  Poultice  Salve  Stomachic

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 been 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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Dye

Yields a green dye[155] (part of plant used is not specified).

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a moist soil, growing well in a moist border, but intolerant of stagnant water[1]. Easily grown in a sunny position so long as the soil is wet in the spring[187]. A polymorphic species[79]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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. 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. Another report says that it is best done in spring or early autumn[187]. 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 Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 :

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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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Author

Nutt.

Botanical References

60200

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