Iris cristata
| Iris cristata | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 0.5' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Iris cristata (common name: crested iris)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It does not require cold stratification. 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 in July/August[1]. 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.
Cultivation: Requires a light or gravelly[1] lime-free[2] soil of a woodland nature in partial shade[1][2][3] or full sun[1]. Likes plenty of moisture in summer but the soil must be well-drained[3]. Grows well on a peat bank[4].
Plants are hardy to about -20°c[5]. Another report says that it is best if the plants are lifted intact in October, stored in sand and planted out in March[6].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer and rabbits[7].
Plants require protection from slugs[5].
Frequent division and transplanting every other year is necessary if the plant is to thrive and persist[5].
Range: Eastern N. America - Maryland to Ohio, south to Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri.
Habitat: Rich woods, wooded bottoms and ravines[8].
Edibility: Root - used as a spice[9][10]. Frequently chewed by local people to alleviate thirst[11][12]. When first chewed the roots have a pleasant sweet taste, within a few minutes this changes to a burning sensation far more pungent than capsicums[12]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicinal: An ointment made from the roots is applied to cancerous ulcers[13][14].
A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of hepatitis[13][14].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[15]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[16].
Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[16].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Grey, Charles. Hardy Bulbs. Williams & Norgate, 1938.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Innes, Clive. The World of Iridaceae. Holly Gate, 1985.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Royal Horticultural Society. The Plantsman Vol. 7. 1985 - 1986. Royal Horticultural Society, 1985.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Lyndon, Merritt. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co, 1950.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Coffey, Timothy. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File, 1993.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.