Yellow Flag, Paleyellow iris

Iris pseudacorus

Physical Characteristics

Iris pseudacorus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft) 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 Bees, hoverflies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa the Caucasus and W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Coffee The seed is said to make an excellent coffee substitute as long as it is well roasted[2, 7, 61, 105, 115, 244]. Caution is advised, it might be poisonous[177].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cathartic Emetic Emmenagogue Odontalgic The fresh root is astringent, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue and odontalgic. A slice of the root held against an aching tooth is said to bring immediate relief. It was at one time widely used as a powerful cathartic but is seldom used nowadays because of its extremely acrid nature. It can also cause violent vomiting and diarrhoea. When dried the root loses its acridity and then only acts as an astringent.

Known Hazards

The leaves, and especially the rhizomes, of this species contain an irritating resinous substance called irisin. If ingested this can cause severe gastric disturbances[274]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[238].