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Common Name: Siberian Iris

General Information

Iris sibirica is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[].
Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[].

Botanical References

,

Range

C. Europe to Russia.

Habitat

Damp woodland[], pastures and heaths[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a humus-rich soil[], succeeding in a moist border or by water[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. The plants are very cold tolerant, but they can be damaged when dormant if the soil is too moist[].
A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[].
Plant the roots out very shallowly[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].

Edible Uses

Root - an edible starch is said to be extracted from it[, , ]. The root is not eaten in China[]. Some caution is advised since there are reports that the plant might be poisonous. Perhaps the extracted starch is edible.

Medicinal

Expectorant[].

Other Uses

An insecticide is obtained from the plant[]. (from the root?)

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 in mid summer to early autumn after flowering but can also be done in mid spring. 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.