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Iris pallida - Lam.

Common Name Dalmation Iris, Sweet iris, Fragrant Iris, Zebra Iris
Family Iridaceae
USDA hardiness 4-10
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 Rocky places[45] in limestone hillsides and the sides of gorges[187].
Range Europe - S. Tyrol from Yugoslavia to the Adriatic.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Iris pallida Dalmation Iris, Sweet iris, Fragrant Iris, Zebra Iris


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Koeh-079.jpg
Iris pallida Dalmation Iris, Sweet iris, Fragrant Iris, Zebra Iris
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Hugo.arg

 

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Summary

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


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Iris pallida is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. 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 and can grow in very 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

 Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The root can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a food flavouring[46, 171]. The root may take several years of drying to develop its full fragrance[168]. 'Orris oil' is an essential oil derived from the dried root, it is used as a flavouring in soft drinks, sweets, chewing gum etc[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.
Cathartic

Cathartic[4]. The juice of the fresh root is a strong purge of great efficiency in the treatment of dropsy[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Cosmetic  Dye  Essential

The root is a source of Orris powder which has the scent of violets[238]. It is obtained by grinding up the dried root[4, 7, 46]. It is much used as a fixative in perfumery and pot-pourri, as an ingredient of toothpastes, breath fresheners etc and as a food flavouring. The root can take several years of drying to fully develop its fragrance, when fresh it has an acrid flavour and almost no smell[4, 168]. An essential oil is obtained from the fresh root, this has the same uses as the root[57, 61]. The juice of the root is sometimes used as a cosmetic and also for the removal of freckles from the skin[4]. A black dye is obtained from the root[168]. A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[168]. Plants can be grown for ground cover, the dense mat of roots excluding all weeds[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil containing lime[42]. Easily cultivated in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil[187]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7.5 or higher[200]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Cultivated, especially in Italy, for the essential oil in its root[4]. The flowers are sweetly scented, reminding some people of orange blossom, others of vanilla and others of civet[245]. A very vigorous species[42]. The rhizome should be planted partly above the soil[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, All or parts of this plant are poisonous.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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

Fahrenheit:

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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. 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, though it can be done at almost any time. 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

EUROPE: Former Yugoslavia (w.-c.), Italy (northeast)

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

Lam.

Botanical References

50200

Links / References

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

Readers comment

Elly Baerman   Sun Dec 4 2005

Hi, Very good information. I was really interested in buying this particular Iris root, but I don't see a place to buy this from you. Do you sell this product? If so please let me know, for I need to buy this form of powdered Iris root, it is the perferred form. if the price is right for my check book.

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