Japanese Water Iris

Iris ensata

Physical Characteristics

Iris ensata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Siberia.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

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.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anthelmintic Antidote Appetizer Depurative Diuretic Hepatic Vermifuge The root is alterative, anthelmintic, antidote, appetizer, depurative, diuretic, hepatic and vermifuge[61, 178, 218]. It is used with other herbs in the treatment of venereal affections, liver complaints and dropsy[240].

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].