{"id":2153,"date":"2019-03-23T16:01:05","date_gmt":"2019-03-23T16:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/?p=2153"},"modified":"2020-01-22T08:46:16","modified_gmt":"2020-01-22T08:46:16","slug":"17-astonishing-facts-about-iris-flower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/17-astonishing-facts-about-iris-flower\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Astonishing Facts About Iris Flower"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Irises are a gorgeous variety of flowering plants that give rise to some truly amazing flowers within the Iris family. There are over 300 species of Iris flowers around the world, making them not only beautiful but also incredibly diverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the species in the Iris family can be found in Asia and Europe, though other species have spread beyond those continents. Irises are pretty versatile, but you\u2019ll find most of them in dry deserts or cold mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wet and grassy areas could also serve as a host to various species within the Iris family. The flowers of the Iris plant is unlike any other. With its variety in habitat, color, and even shape, there\u2019s so much to learn about these magnificent creations of nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to know more about the Iris flower, today is your lucky day, because we\u2019ve compiled a list of the most astonishing facts. The Iris gets its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris \u2014 who got her own namesake from the Greek word for rainbow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The name of the flower is likely a reference to its diversity of hues. You\u2019ll find Iris flowers in a wide range of colors. You could find some in purple, pink, blue, brown, orange, yellow, white, and even in the shade of a fellow perennial; lavender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While upon first glance you might think that an Iris flower has six petals, it actually only has three. The three petals oriented upwards are the only true petals of the Iris flower. The \u201cpetals\u201d oriented downward are actually sepals, sometimes also called falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These sepals are sometimes covered with beards which is the common term used to describe the fuzzy appendage of a flower. Most Iris flowers have petals and sepals that all match, but you might find some that have varying colors \u2014 making for a rare and beautiful sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
One particular species, the Yellow Flag Iris, is an interesting variety of the Iris family. The scientific name of the Yellow Flag Iris is pseudacorus. You\u2019ll often find sepals of the Yellow Flag Iris sporting purple or brown streaks \u2014 a characterizer of the species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Yellow Flag variety of Irises is native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe. That said, some have been imported into North America. You\u2019ll find most Yellow Flags residing at the edges of lakes and ponds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They prefer shallow water and wet soil when it comes to finding a home. Some Yellow Flag Irises can grow to heights of five feet. That said, most plants average out at around three feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plant itself is beautiful, and the flowers it blooms even more so, but this gorgeous piece of flora doesn\u2019t come without its risk. This species of Iris is toxic. If you ingest the plant, you could suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. Even the slightest bit of contact with the rhizomes or leaves of this plant could lead to skin irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
While the Yellow Flag Irises are definitely beautiful, their dangers aren\u2019t limited to the toxic properties that they host. The Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia, an authority on preserving the local ecosystem, have referred to the Yellow Flag Iris as a \u201cwickedly aggressive plant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They stated that no one should plant a Yellow Flag Iris. That said, the species isn\u2019t considered invasive in every part of North America. A single colony of Yellow Flag Irises could host up to hundreds of plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sheer volume and size of each colony present a significant threat to local ecosystems as these Irises can reduce the number of native plants that the wildlife relies on for food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, they might even mess with irrigation and drainage of local farms. This species of Irises spreads far too easily. A single broken rhizome can root itself and then build an entire colony on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Some linguists have suggested that Orris is in fact just a corrupted version of the word Iris. You can use three species of Iris to produce Orris roots. The species used for commercial products include the German Iris, Iris pallida, and Iris florentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite what their name might have you believe, Orris roots are actually rhizomes. These rhizomes are usually brown with a wood-like appearance. The scent of an Orris root has a resemblance to that of violets. To achieve the best scent of an Orris root, you should dry it out for at least three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After aging the Orris root, it is grounded into powder form then distilled with steam to get it into oil form. This oil is sometimes referred to as Orris butter. Orris oil has been used in everything from gin to cosmetics and of course perfumes. There is also an abundance of health claims made for the Orris root, though none have been proven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Some species of Iris can be rather poisonous to animals and humans. Most incidents involving the poison of an Iris isn\u2019t fatal, but some people might be more sensitive to certain chemicals than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals \u2014 or ASPCA \u2014 has said that Irises are poisonous for cats as well as dogs. They have also said that the most toxic part of an Iris is the rhizome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Much like the Yellow Flag variety, most if not all species of Iris can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and salvation. Dermatitis can also develop if your skin has contact with any part of the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The toxin contained within Irises is known as Iridin. In small doses, it appears as though preserved Orris roots are safe for humans. While fragrances containing Irises may be safe, it\u2019s important to remember that you should always steer clear of raw components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The term fleur-de-lis is French and is used to describe the drawing of flowers. You\u2019ll often find such drawings associated with heraldry and royalty. It\u2019s also been associated with certain representations of the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the term fleur-de-lis translates into \u201cFlower of the Lily\u201d in English, the drawing is more representative of Irises. The drooping falls and upright standards definitely hold an uncanny resemblance to the Iris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historians have stated that the Yellow Flag Iris was common in France during the time when the fleur-de-lis symbolism first came into existence which could suggest that it was in fact based on the Iris rather than the Lily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many linguists have varying theories on how the term may have been corrupted to translate into Lily despite having originally come into circulation with the Iris in mind. It\u2019s also possible that the creator of the term had mistaken an Iris for a Lily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Irises might sometimes refuse to flower, and there are various reasons for this. Soil problems such as insufficient or excessive use of fertilizer could lead to the premature death of Irises before they even have a chance to grow. In the same way, insufficient or excessive watering could also prevent the healthy growth of your Iris plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pests that lurk within your garden may also be the inhibitor. Some Irises fail to grow when they\u2019re planted too deep into the ground. Sometimes the issue isn\u2019t even localized to the location of the Iris, but rather, the environment that surrounds it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cold temperatures or lack of sunlight can make it hard for Irises to grow, even if the soil and watering are up to par with the requirements of this picky plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re stumped on why your Iris plant isn\u2019t growing, your best bet would be to get an expert to check them out. There are far too many potential causes, so getting someone with expertise in this field could be the best way to reconcile the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Most Iris seeds will germinate provided you plant them properly, but you will need to remove them from their pod if you hope to get yourself a beautiful plant. Be sure to only collect the seeds after the pod has dried, become brown, and began to open up on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The seeds contained within shouldn\u2019t be a green shade. If you need to store them prior to planting, you can keep them in an envelope until the time comes for them to meet the soil. Most seeds have to be exposed to cold temperatures if you want them to germinate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You could achieve this by planting them during the earlier days of winter or even during fall. Be sure to plant the seeds around an inch away from one another. As far as depth goes, a half-inch is the general rule, but you can go as deep as three-quarters if you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Rebloomers are definitely an intriguing type of Iris. Some will provide new flowers as soon as the previous generation has died out while others will wait until a later period of the season. Some plants that are bred in a rebloomer fashion may still fail to produce second sets in the same year though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reblooming is really dependent on the genetics of the plant as well as the environmental conditions of its surroundings. Irises can fail to rebloom for a number of reasons. You have to remember that producing two batches of flowers is twice the amount of work for your plant, so you should be extra caring when it comes to the usage of fertilizer and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plants are also very unlikely to yield a second batch in their first year, but you can get two or more batches once they reach their second or third year. Patience is key with rebloomers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re one of those people who enjoy buying garnet stones for those born in January or asking someone what their horoscope sign is, you\u2019ll love the Iris flower. The Iris flower is the official birth month flower for the month of February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This makes it a great birthday gift for those with the Aquarius or Pisces horoscope signs. You could also give it alongside Amethysts, the official birthstone for those born in February. Irises also make for a good Valentine\u2019s Day gift due to their February-based symbolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As if being a birth month flower wasn\u2019t enough, the Iris takes it a step further by also being the official flower for 25th wedding anniversaries. Furthermore, Irises are also the de facto state flower for Tennessee. If you meet someone born in February and residing in Tennessee, be sure to give them an Iris for their February 14th, 25th-year wedding anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
While there are some hazards to coming into contact with Irises, some have also claimed that it yields some benefits. The juice that you squeeze out from the Iris plant has been known to help with skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Orris root is effective when it comes to detoxifying the body since it contains compounds that hold emetic, diuretic, and laxative properties. These emetic properties are actually what causes the vomiting if you ingest an Iris plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019d have to be a brave soul to test out the benefits of Irises though, which is fitting since Iris flowers are actually used as symbolism for those who are courageous, wise, and religious. This symbolism originated in ancient Egypt<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll even find Irises on the scepters of the Pharaohs, used as symbolic decorations. Be sure to consult with your doctor before you attempt to use the Iris for any medicinal purposes, and bear in mind that the research on the claims of this plant is very limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Caring for Irises is an important task to ensure that your gorgeous plant doesn\u2019t die. At the start of every spring, apply some compost to the base of your Iris plant. Be sure to leave the rhizome exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut the stalks back as your flowers fade. If you want to ensure that you get a second batch from rebloomers, be sure to remove any faded flowers immediately and supply enough water to your plant \u2014 especially during the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you reach the fall, be sure to prune any healthy leaves and remove dead foliage. The leaves should be pruned to around five inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When winter has come along and Jack Frost has frozen your soil, be sure to apply some mulch to help your roots survive this trying time of freezing and thawing. If the roots of your Iris plant heave out during the winter, cover them up with some soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The roots of the Iris germanica species has proven itself as a potent cathartic. The term catharsis is described as \u201cthe process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to its cathartic properties, the juice of the Iris germanica species has often been used to help people during trying times that drive them to the edge of their sanity. Beyond the aid of emotional relief, the roots can also be used to alleviate physical problems such as coughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also a myriad of other health claims in relation to the Iris, but none of these have any scientific backing, so be sure to tread wearily when trying to use the Iris as a treatment for any ailments. The same goes for any herbal remedy that doesn\u2019t have the research to support its claims. All this being said, the Iris is most valued for its fragrant properties nowadays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
One of the most notable and desirable traits of the Iris blossom is its shape. You\u2019ll find a sword-esque shape in Irises with their erect bloom surrounded by billowy petals. Watch in awe as their gorgeous petals flutter in the breeze of the morning wind. Its majestic movement in the wind even led the Chinese to call it a purple butterfly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its shape makes it rather easy for insects to collect nectar from it, and have turned it into a prestigious flower in the human commune. Its distinctive look helps the Iris stand out in a sea of other flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Iris flower is also a good pick for bouquets since they will stand tall and stick out of the rest of the arrangement. The fragrance of the Iris also adds an extra element of romanticism to your bouquet. In summary, the shape of the Iris is unlike any other and adds another factor of prestige to an already-worshipped flower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The distinct shape and vivid colors that the Iris flower brings has led to various emblems and patterns through the ages that take their inspiration from it. The fleur-de-lis, as mentioned above, took inspiration from iris flowers and have been used to decorate the scepters of Pharaohs, Kings, and other heralds of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most well-known representations of Irises in the arts is the series of paintings produced by the great Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. This series, dubbed the Dutch Masters, includes gorgeous blue Irises. He took inspiration with the flowers during his time spent in France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With so many colors available for this single genus, it makes it easy to express virtually any emotion with an Iris. If you want to depict the sorrow of heartbreak, you can paint a blue Iris. To symbolize purity, insert a white Iris subtly into the background. For more intense conflicts, use red Irises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
As we mentioned above, most of the Iris species reside within the northern hemisphere. While Irises were rare in North America throughout most of human history, they have since been domesticated and learned to call the New World their home. Irises can survive virtually anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the cold and mountainous alps of Canada and France to the dry deserts of Mongolia. Even in the riverbanks of Northern Italy, you\u2019ll find an Iris lurking in a small pond, waiting to be captured by a painter or photographer so that it may share its elegance with the rest of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are very few flowers that can be as versatile in habitat as the Iris. You wouldn\u2019t expect to see a rose at the summit of a frozen mountain or the vast emptiness of an arid desert, yet Irises seem ubiquitous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Bearded Irises have long been considered a prestigious addition to any home garden. After centuries of cultivation and selective breeding, these Irises have astounding color and outstanding endurance when it comes to surviving the woes of Mother Nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bearded Irises are among one of the most beautiful and resilient perennial flowers of any genus, much less their own. Their blooms, with a resemblance to orchids, are sure to help your garden stand out and become the envy of all your neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With two separate sets of petals \u2014 albeit the second being sepals \u2014 it\u2019s hard to miss an Iris lurking in a gorgeous garden. With what seems like an eternity of practice, breeders have managed to add some novelty to their Irises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some Irises boast incredulous features such as flounces, spoons, and even horns at the end of their beards. There\u2019s no shortage of patterns in Bearded Irises, so be sure to grab a few varieties for your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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