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Iris japonica - Thunb.

Common Name
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]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[238]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[238].
Habitats Woodland hills[58], grassy and rocky slopes and among rocks by streams[187].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Iris japonica


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Apple2000
Iris japonica
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Apple2000

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Iris japonica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - the source of an edible starch[2, 105, 177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

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.
Miscellany

The rhizome is used in the treatment of injuries[218]. A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of bronchitis, internal injuries, rheumatism and swellings[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Miscellany

Plants can be grown for ground cover when planted about 45cm apart each way[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a gritty well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in summer and shelter from early morning sun[1, 42]. Prefers a lime-free soil but succeeds in most good soils[79, 200]. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade[79], but plants flower better in a hot sunny position[190]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Cultivated for its edible root in Japan[2]. A number of named varieties have been selected for their ornamental value[187]. It is best to lift the plant in October, store in sand in a cool frost-free place over winter and plant out in March[1]. Plants have creeping aerial rhizomes that root at intervals[187]. The flowers are susceptible to damage by late frosts, the plants failing to flower after an exceptionally cold winter[187]. 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

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

Fahrenheit:

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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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 in July/August. 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, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Japan TROPICAL ASIA: Myanmar

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

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Botanical References

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