Blue Flag Iris

Iris versicolor

$12.50

Flowering herbaceous perennial native to swamps, wetlands, wet meadows and river edges of Eastern North America. Over time this iris forms large clumps from thick, creeping rhizomes, which send up new sword-shaped bluish-green leaves each Spring which are folded on the midribs so that they form a fan. Flowers are produced in early Summer and are usually light to deep blue, sometimes purple or violet – the species name versicolor means ‘varied in colour’. Height 10–80 cm. Plants are winter dormant and hardy to about -25°C.

11 cm pot

Cultivation

Full sun to part shade in moist heavy-ish soil – anything from damp humus-rich soil to completely waterlogged – standing water of 5-10cm in depth. Prefers slightly acidic soils. Divide plants in autumn.

Uses

Blue flag is an excellent plant for pond edges and bog gardens. Its leaves can be used to weave baskets and mats and its roots can be used to make natural dyes. The green dye obtained from the leaves of species was used in the Harris tweed industry in Scotland. Apparently the leaves produce a pale yellow dye if alum is used as a mordant, bright green if copper is used and dark, grey-green if iron is the mordant. A yellow dye is obtained from the anthers, and a blue infusion can be obtained from the flowers (which can be used as a litmus substitute to test for acids and alkalis). The roots can produce various shade of brown dye, depending on the mordant.

Blue Flag was one of the most popular medicinal plants amongst various native North American Indian tribes and is still used in modern herbalism, though caution is advised. The roots are harvested in late summer and early autumn and are usually dried for later use.

Medicinal Uses

In modern herbalism it is mainly employed to detoxify the body – taken internally as a tea, the root is a strong laxative or emetic that also acts strongly on the liver and promotes the excretion of excess body fluids. It is also used to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic system, and to treat psoriasis, acne, herpes, arthritis, swollen glands etc. due to its detoxifying effect. Externally, it is applied a poultice to treat skin diseases, rheumatic joints and pain and swelling from sores and bruises.

Primary Actions: alterative, anti-inflammatory, cathartic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic

Parts Used: Roots

History / Folklore / Further Info

Caution – many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested. The roots are toxic to dogs, horses and cattle and can cause nausea and vomiting in humans too. The sap can cause dermatitis.

The Blue Flag Iris is the provincial flower of Quebec and the official state flower of the U.S. state of Tennessee.

Some native North American Indian tribes used the root as a protection against rattlesnakes.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.

Certified Organic Plant