Iris
(the Greek name for the rainbow, used as a title of this plant since the time of Hippocrates). Including Evansia, Gynandriris, Hermodactylon, Oncocyclus, Xiphion, &c. ORD. Irideoe. A genus of about a hundred species of mostly hardy herbaceous plants with creeping or tuberous rootstocks, natives of Northern temperate regions. Flowers in sheaths; perianth six-cleft; segments in two rows; three outer ones reflexed, often bearded at the base; three inner ones erect, usually smaller than the others; perianth tube short; stamens three, inserted at the base of the outer row of the perianth; anthers innate; style with three petal-like divisions. Capsule leathery, trigonous, dehiscing loculicidally. Leaves chiefly radical, equitant, sword-shaped or linear.
The numerous species and varieties of Iris, now in cultivation, comprise a large and most interesting group of hardy plants, remarkable alike for their curiously-constructed and quaintly-marked flowers, and for the peculiar manner in which many beautiful colours are blended in them. A large proportion of the commoner species do not need more than ordinary attention to secure a profusion of flowers annually; but there are several which require special treatment, and can then rarely be induced to flower. These are, however, well deserving of special attention, on account of the beautiful markings and combination of colours the limited number of flowers they bear more particularly exhibit. There are two large and distinct sections into which the Iris is usually divided according to its habit of growth, and these are distinguished by the one having long bulb-like corms, and the other creeping fleshy root-stocks or rhizomes. For convenience, they may be termed the bulbous and rhizomatous sections, and a reference made to each separately, as the proper treatment varies some what considerably with several of the species. The flowering season of the Iris is principally spring and early summer; but, with an assortment of the numerous species and varieties in each section, it may be prolonged throughout almost the whole year. Height in the plants varies from 2in. or 3in. in some species, to 3ft. or 4ft. in others; and a great diversity of habit is also represented.
Propagation. The plants belonging to the bulbous section of Iris may be raised in quantities from seed if desired. It is produced by many in both sections, if allowed, and should be sown in sandy soil, so soon as ripe, preferably in pans or boxes, which may be placed in a cold frame. Fig. 323 shows the way in which the seed capsule bursts, when ripe, for discharging its contents. The seeds germinate the following spring, and bulbs, sufficiently large for flowering, may be expected after three years' growth. Quantities of offsets may also be utilised for propagating purposes; but care should be taken not to injure the old bulb in removing them, or allow it to be kept too long exposed to the air. The rhizomatous section may be propagated by division; or by layering, if roots are not readily emitted in the ordinary way. Cultivation. The bulbous section, or Xiphions, are principally represented in gardens by what are known as English and Spanish Iris. Both are of Spanish origin, and vary chiefly in the size of the bulbs and flowers, and in the more curious combination of colours, as exhibited in the flowers of the former. I. filifolia, I. Histrio, I. persica, and I. reticulata, are very beautiful, and early flowering species, also of this section. They all succeed best in a light, rich, sandy soil, and in a situation fully exposed to sun, yet protected, if possible, from easterly or other strong winds. Efficient drainage in autumn and winter are important conditions, and the bulbs should not be removed from the soil more than is really necessary. Bulbous Iris are most attractive when planted in masses.
Of the rhizomatous species there are large numbers, which may be grouped according as their cultivation requires. The bearded, more commonly called the German Irises, comprise a number of varieties, having large and very handsome flowers; and, as they are among the easiest to cultivate, they are largely grown. Their rhizomes are formed on the top of the ground, and should not be covered with soil, or they will be liable to rot in winter. Dwarf-growing species, like alata, aphylla, biflora, Chamoeiris and its varieties, pumila with its varieties, and rubro-marginata, should be provided with a sunny position on a rockery, and be planted in light, rich soil. flavescens, florentina, germanica, lutescens, sambucina, and squalens, are a few of the stronger-growing bearded Iris, that are not so particular regarding the soil or situation wherein they are planted.
The beardless Irises comprise a large group, and their cultivation varies considerably with different species. Some do best in heavy loam, others in peat and loam, and others again in nearly all peat, formed into a sort of semi-bog, by the insertion of 3in. of clay beneath it. Some of the species which succeed with this latter preparation are: fulva, hexagona, loevigata, pseudacorus, setosa, sibirica and its varieties, and versicolor virginica. Examples of beardless Iris which succeed in loam, or loam and peat, are: aurea, graminea, Guldenstadtiana, humilis, Monnieri, ochroleuca, and spuria. I. iberica and I. susiana are two of the most singular and beautiful species, belonging to a separate group or sub-genus. They are amongst the most difficult of plants to flower, and require special treatment, apart from any of the others. A frame, and light, rich soil, should be provided for their accommodation, and they should be dried off, and allowed the fullest exposure to the sun from the time flowering is over, until spring of the following year. Plenty of river sand round the rhizomes tends to keep them dry in winter--an important point in the cultivation--and also assists in effecting perfect drainage at all times. All varieties of Iris are impatient of root disturbance, their flowering being much hindered thereby. Plants that are established increase in size rapidly, and flower with much more certainty if allowed to remain undisturbed. They like plenty of sun and air, but should be protected, if practicable, from east and northerly winds.
In the subjoined list, the Synopsis of Mr. J. G. Baker, which appeared in the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle, has been followed.
Sect. I. Irises proper.
I. amoena (pleasing). A synonym of I. hybrida.
I. aphylla (leafless). fl. scentless; limb dark lilac, 2 1/2in. deep; falls obovate, 3/4in. to 1/4in. broad, reflexing half-way down, cuneately narrowed to a long claw; beard white; standards erect, a little broader than the falls, suddenly narrowed into a long claw; claws white, veined with lilac. May. l. not more than two produced to a tuft, glaucous-green, ensiform, falcate. Stems forked low down, or two or even three produced from the same tuft. h. 1ft. Eastern Europe and Western Asia. (B. M. 2361; B. R. 801, under name of I. furcata.) I. arenaria (sand-loving). fl. bright yellow, striped with purplish-brown on the claws; falls oblong-spathulate, with a bright yellow beard reaching half-way up; standards rather shorter, and narrow; scape slender, erect, one or two-flowered. May. l. tufted, few, linear. Rhizome much-branched. h. 3in. to 4in. Hungary to European Russia, 1802. This plant is well adapted for rockery or pot culture, but is not common in English gardens. (B. R. 549.)
I. aurea (golden).* fl. bright yellow; falls oblong, crisped at the edge; standards oblanceolate, shorter than the falls. June. l. ensiform, about 2ft. long. Stem stout, bearing two sessile clusters of flowers. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Western Himalayas. (B. R. xxxiii. 59.)
I. balkana (Balkan).* fl. bright lilac-purple; tube 1 1/4in. long; limb 3in. long; falls 1 1/4in., and standards 1 1/2in. broad; spathe valves green, acute. April. Stem as long as the leaves. h. 1ft. Northern Thrace, 1878. Mr. Baker regards this as a variety of I. Chamoeiris; it is a very fine plant.
I. biflora (two-flowered).* fl. bright violet-purple; limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls obovate, 1in. broad, reflexing half-way down, the yellow beard over 1in. long; standards erect, over 1in. broad; spathe two-flowered. April. l. ensiform, rather glaucous. Rhizome stout, short-creeping. South Europe, 1596. SYNS. I. fragrans, I. nudicaulis (under which name it is figured in B. M. 5806), I. subbiflora.
I. biglumis (two-plumed). A synonym of I. ensata.
I. Bloudovii (Bloudow's). fl. light yellow; limb almost 2in. long; outer segments obovate-cuneate, nearly or quite 1in. broad, reflexing half-way down, the bright yellow beard running more than half-way up; standards erect, as broad as the falls, but somewhat shorter; spathe two-flowered. May. l. linear, thin. h. 6in. to 12in. Altai Mountains. (R. G. 1020.)
I. brachycuspis (short-pointed). A synonym of I. setosa. I. Chamaeiris (dwarf Iris).* fl. solitary; limb 2in. deep; falls oblong-spathulate, 3/4in. broad, bright yellow, tinged and veined with brown; beard bright orange-yellow; standards erect or converging, oblong-unguiculate, 1in. broad, crisped at the edge, primrose-yellow. April. l. four to six in a tuft, 3/8in. to 1/2in. broad, pale green. h. 4in. to 6in. South Europe.
I. C. olbiensis (Olban). fl., limb deep lilac-purple, 2in. long; falls 1in. broad; claw white, veined with purple; beard white, tipped with yellow; standards obovate-unguiculate, a little broader than the falls. April. Stem 4in. to 6in. long, clasped by a sheathing leaf a little above the base. South of France. (B. M. 6110.)
I. chinensis (Chinese). A synonym of I. japonica.
I. cretensis (Cretan).* fl., limb lilac, 2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, beardless, 3/4in. broad; the reflexing lamina much shorter than the narrow claw; standards oblanceolate-unguiculate, 1/4in. broad. April and May. l. in dense tufts, narrow-linear, erect, firm, and stout in texture, acuminate, closely and distinctly ribbed. Stem none, so that the spathe is sessile in the centre of the cluster of leaves. Greece, Asia Minor, Crete, and the Ionian Islands. (B. M. 6343.)
I. cristata (crested).* fl., limb pale lilac, about 1/2in. deep; falls with an obovate-obtuse reflexing blade, 1/2in. broad, the throat and crest deep yellow; standards erect, oblanceolate, less than 1/2in. broad, and rather shorter than the falls. April and May. l. about four, in a distichous rosette, linear, broad at the middle. Stem very short, two-flowered. h. 6in. Eastern United States, 1756. (B. M. 412; L. B. C. 1366.) I. dichotoma (two-forked). fl., limb lilac, about 1in. deep, not opening till afternoon, and only expanding once, twisted spirally after flowering; falls oblong, 1/2in. broad, the claws obscurely bearded, white, spotted with purple; standards oblanceolate, deeply emarginate; clusters five or six-flowered. July. l. in an erect, distichous cluster, ensiform. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, slender, corymbosely branched. Davuria and North China, 1784. A very distinct species. (B. R. 246; S. B. F. G. 96.)
I. Douglasiana (Douglas').* fl., limb bright lilac-purple, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls obovate-spathulate, with a reflexing lamina 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, as long as the claw; standards rather shorter, oblanceolate-unguiculate, erect. June. l. about four in a tuft, linear, thick, rigid, strongly ribbed. Stems 6in. to 12in. high, slender, having one or two clusters of flowers. California, 1873. (B. M. 6083.)
I. ensata (sword-shape-leaved). fl., limb lilac-purple, about 2in. deep; divisions all oblanceolate; falls with a reflexing blade, marked with yellow, and veined at the throat; standards erect, lilac, 1/4in. broad; cluster single, terminal, one to three-flowered. June and July. l. tufted, linear, glaucous, firm. Stem firm, about 1ft. high. Temperate Asia. A rare but handsome species. SYNS. I. biglumis, I. fragrans (B. R. xxvi. 1), I. longispatha (B. M. 2528), I. Pallasii (B. M. 2331).
I. flavescens (yellowish).* fl. lemon-yellow; limb about 2in. deep; falls obovate-cuneate, about 1 1/2in. broad, reflexing half-way down; claw veined with purplish-brown; beard orange-yellow; standards erect, obovate, rather shorter and broader than the falls; clusters terminal, three or four-flowered. May. l. few, tufted, ensiform, 1ft. to 1 1/4ft. long. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, glaucous, branched about half-way down. Eastern Europe and Western Asia, 1818. (S. B. F. G. ser. ii. 56; B. R. 1845, 35, under name of I. imbricata.) I. florentina (Florentine).* fl. fragrant; limb 3in. to 3 1/2in. deep; both rows of segments eighteen to twenty-one lines broad; falls obovate-cuneate, white, tinged with lavender, reflexing half-way down; claw veined with green and brown; beard bright yellow; standards erect, obovate-oblong, with a short claw, pure white. May. l. few, tufted, ensiform, glaucous. Stems 2ft. to 3ft. high, branched above the middle, bearing three or four terminal spathes. South Europe, 1596. The rhizome of this possesses cathartic and emetic properties; it is also used as the basis of many perfumery powders. (B. M. 671; B. M. Pl. 273.)
I. foetidissima (very foetid).* Stinking Gladwin. fl., limb bluishlilac, 2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, the oblong-obtuse lamina 3/4in. broad; standards erect, oblanceolate, three to four lines broad, shorter than the falls; clusters sessile, lateral. June. l. ensiform, same length as stem, firm. Stem compressed, 2ft. to 3ft. high. West Europe (Britain). A very desirable species, of easy cultivation in almost any situation, but it prefers and flourishes best in a moist one. Its large, thrice-divided seed pods, showing the large, orange-coloured seeds, are very ornamental (Sy. En. B. 1494.)
I. fragrans (fragrant), of Lindley. A synonym of I. ensata.
I. fragrans (fragrant), of Salisbury. A synonym of I. biflora.
I. fulva (tawny).* fl., limb bright fulvous-brown, 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; all the segments reflexing equally when expanded; falls oblong-unguiculate, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, obtusely rounded at the top, deeply emarginate, gradually narrowed into a claw not more than 1/2in. long, velvety on the face, with reddish-brown pubescence on the keel; standards shorter, oblanceolate-spathulate, 1 1/2in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad. June. l. narrow-ensiform, bright green. Stems 2ft. to 3ft. high, forked low down, angular in the lower part, furnished at the forks with large leaves. United States. (B. M. 1496.) I. germanica (German).* German or common Iris. fl. fragrant; limb 2 1/2in. to 3in. deep; falls obovate-cuneate, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, bright purple, reflexing half-way down; claw white with brownish veins; beard bright yellow; standards obovate-unguiculate, deep lilac, erect; clusters four or five-flowered. May. l. tufted, few, ensiform, very glaucous. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, glaucous, forked half-way down. Central and South Europe. A fine ornamental species, and one of the commonest in cultivation; it has numerous very elegant varieties. (B. M. 670; B. R. 818, under name of I. nepalensis).
I. gigantea (gigantic). A garden name of I. ochroleuca.
I. graminea (grass-leaved).* fl. slightly fragrant; limb bright lilac-purple, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls with an orbicular limb, 1/2in. broad; claw dull yellow; throat veined with blue-purple on a white ground; standards erect, purple, 1/4in. broad; clusters terminal, two or three-flowered. May. l. about four, tufted, linear, much overtopping the flowers. Stem solid, ancipitous, about 9in. high. Central and Southern Europe, 1597. (B. M. 681.)
I. Guldenstadtiana (Guldenstadt's).* fl., limb 2in. deep; claws of the falls much longer than the obovate deflexed lamina, which is pure white, 3/4in. broad, with an orange throat; standards oblanceolate, 1/2in. broad, erect, rather shorter than the falls, pure white, with a yellow keel and border; spathes two or three-flowered. June. l. firm, ensiform. Stems stout, 2ft. high. Siberia, 1757. This species is, according to Mr. Baker, the erratica and Wittmaniana of many gardens. SYNS. I. halophila (of Pallas, but not of B. M. 875, which is I. spuria notha), I. stenogyne.
I. halophila (salt-loving). A synonym of I. Guldenstadtiana. I. hexagona (hexagonal). fl., tube funnel-shaped, 3/4in. to 1in. long, pale or deep lilac, 3in. to 3 1/2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, the lamina exceeding the claw, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad; standards erect, oblanceolate-spathulate, 1/2in. broad, rather shorter than the falls; spathe valves often 5in. to 6in. long April. l., basal ones ensiform, 2ft. to 3ft. long, by 1in. to 1 1/4in. broad. Stems 3ft. to 4ft. high, deeply forked, and furnished with several large leaves. Southern United States. (B. M. 6787.)
I. humilis (low). fl., limb bright lilac, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls oblong-spathulate, beardless; claw exceeding the blade; standards rather shorter, oblanceolate-unguiculate, erect; spathe sessile in the centre of the cluster of leaves, one-flowered. l. about a dozen, in a basal rosette, linear, glaucous, ribbed. Stem none. Southern Russia, Siberia, &c.
I. hybrida (hybrid).* fl., limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls obovate-cuneate, 1 1/4in. to 1 1/2in. broad, reflexing half-way down, plain, deep lilac-purple at the tip, copiously veined lower down with the same colour on a pure white ground; beard yellow; standards the same breadth, erect, obovate-unguiculate, pure white, or slightly tinged with lilac. June. l. about 1ft. long, 1in. to 1 1/4in. broad, purple at the base. Stem forked low down, with three or four terminal spathes. A handsome garden race of unknown origin--according to Mr. Baker, probably derived from I. squalens. SYN. I. amaena. There are a number of desirable varieties.
I. iberica (Iberian).* fl. solitary; limb 3in deep; segments nearly equal, ovate, obtuse, cuneately narrowed to a short claw, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad; falls reflexing from near the base, closely veined like those of I. susiana with dark purplish-brown, with a velvety, plain, dark purple blotch at the throat; standards erect, veinless, white or pale lilac. Summer. l. few, in a basal tuft, falcate, glaucous, linear. Stem 3in. to 6in. high. Caucasus. (R. G. 386, 1, 2.) I. i. insignis (remarkable).* A very striking and handsome variety, with larger flowers, and a dwarfer habit than the typical species; falls white, veined with black lines, densely spotted and blotched with reddish-brown; standards lilac-white, veined and thickly spotted throughout with a deeper tint of the same hue. This variety should be planted in the hottest and driest part of the garden, and be fully exposed to the sun.
I. japonica (Japanese). fl., limb lilac, 1in. to 1 1/2in. deep, division spreading falcately; falls oblong-spathulate, 1/2in. broad, crisped, and irregularly fimbriated at the edge, spotted with yellow and white at the centre, and furnished with a fimbriated petaloid crest reaching two-thirds of the way up; standards plain lilac, rather narrowed. April and May. l. in a fan-like tuft, ensiform, bright green. Stem 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, of which the upper half or two-thirds is occupied by a lax panicle with erecto-patent branches. Japan and China. SYN. I. chinensis (under which name it is figured in B. M. 373, 1797).
I. Kaempferi (Kaempfer's). A synonym of I. laevigata.
I. Korolkowi (Korolkow's). fl., limb 2 1/2in. deep, ground work white tinged with brown, marked with copious dark brown veins, radiating from the throat; blade of the falls oblong, 1 1/2in. long, 1in. broad; claw bearded; standards rather broader, oblong-unguiculate, erect. l. linear, glaucous, as long as the stem. Stem 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, leafy in the lower part, ending in a solitary, two-flowered, terminal spathe. Turkestan, 1874. (R. G. 766.) I. laevigata (smooth).* Japanese Iris. fl. solitary; limb deep bright purple, 3in. to 3 1/2in. long; falls obovate-unguiculate, reflexing from low down, with a bright yellow blotch at the throat; standards oblanceolate-spathulate, purple, 2in. long, 1/2in. broad. June. l. narrow-ensiform, pale green, thin, weak. Stem 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. high firm, solid, glaucous. Siberia and Japan. A handsome species, and one of the best of the genus. SYN. I. Kaempferi, under which name it is most generally known. This is cultivated by the Japanese as a sub-aquatic, and in England it thrives best when copiously supplied with water during the growing season. It succeeds admirably when cultivated in pans, and the bottoms of these placed a depth of a couple of inches in a tank of water. (R. G. 442, 1; B. M. 6132.) There are a great number of exceedingly beautiful varieties of this species in cultivation, many of which produce flowers measuring quite 10in. across. There are also several desirable double forms, one of which, flore-pleno, is illustrated at Fig. 328.
I. longipetala (long-petaled). fl. in a single terminal head; limb bright lilac, 2 1/2in. to 3in. deep; falls obovate, unguiculate, reflexing half-way down; lamina obovate, 1in. to 1 1/4in. broad, cuneately narrowed into the short claw, which has a bright yellow keel and violet veins on a pure white ground; standards erect, oblanceolate-spathulate, 2in. long, 1/2in. broad. Summer. l. firm, narrow-ensiform, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long. Stems 2ft. to 3ft. high, solid, compressed. California, 1862. (B. M. 5298.)
I. longispatha (long-spathed). A synonym of I. ensata.
I. lurida (dingy). fl., limb 2 1/2in. deep; falls oblong, 1in. broad, reflexing half-way down, cuneately narrowed to the base, having the upper part plain dead purple, and the lower half veined with dead purple on a yellow groundwork; beard bright yellow; standards rather broader, with a crisped, veinless, dull purple blade and veined yellow claw; spathes one or two-flowered. April. l. ensiform, slightly glaucous. Stems deeply forked, about 2ft. high. Eastern Europe, 1758. Closely allied to I. variegata, but inferior as a decorative plant. (B. M. 986.) I. lutescens (yellowish).* fl. 2 1/2in. deep; falls pale yellow, tinged and veined with purplish-brown, oblong, nearly or quite 1in. broad, with a reflexing blade as long as the claw; beard bright yellow; standards broader, erect, primrose-yellow, narrowed suddenly to the claw. May. l. ensiform, slightly glaucous. Stem terete, glaucous, unbranched. South Europe. (B. M. 2861.)
I. missouriensis (Missouri). fl., perianth tube funnel-shaped, 1/4in. to 1/3in. long; outer segments of limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. long, veined with lilac-purple on pale groundwork, and faintly keeled with yellow towards base of limb; inner segments nearly as long as the outer, plain lilac-purple. May. l., produced ones about four to a tuft, linear, not more than 1ft. long, 1/4in. to 1/3in. broad, narrowed gradually to the point, firm in texture. Stem bearing a single cluster of two or three flowers. Rocky Mountains, 1880. (B. M. 6579.)
I. Monnieri (Monnier's).* fl. fragrant, clustered; limb bright lemon-yellow, 3in. to 3 1/2in. deep; falls roundish, eighteen to twenty lines broad, equalling the claw; standards spreading, oblanceolate-spathulate, 3in. long, 1in. broad; spathes two-flowered. June and July. l. firm, sub-erect, lanceolate, about 2ft. long. Stems stout, terete, 3ft. to 4ft. high. Crete.
I. neglecta (neglected).* fl., limb 2in. deep; falls bright lilac, obovate-cuneate, 1in. to 1 1/4in. broad, much striped on a pure white ground; beard bright yellow; standards obovate-unguiculate, 1 1/4in. broad, bright light unstriped lilac. June. l. ensiform, slightly glaucous, purple at the base, 1ft. to 1 1/4ft. long. Stem 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. high, branched above the middle. A very common form, the native country of which is unknown. It is the handsomest species of the germanica group. (B. M. 2435.) About a score named varieties are catalogued by some growers.
I. nepalensis (Nepaul). fl., limb lilac, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls with a reflexing oblong blade as long as the claw, furnished with a yellow crest down the lower two-thirds of the keel; standards oblanceolate, unguiculate, erect, rather shorter than the falls. l. linear, moderately firm in texture, with several strong ribs, and narrowed gradually to an acuminate point. Stem 6in. to 1ft., with one to three clusters of flowers. Himalayas, 1828. (S. B. F. G. ser. ii. 11.) The plant figured in B. R. 818 is not I. nepalensis, but I. germanica.
I. nudicaulis (naked-stemmed) A synonym of I. biflora.
I. ochroleuca (yellowish-white).* fl. clustered; limb 3in. to 3 1/2in. deep, the round-obovate, suddenly-reflexed blade eighteen to twenty-one lines broad, pure white at the edge, bright orange-yellow at the base, as long as the claw, which is yellow on the face, without veins, and green on the back; standards erect, oblanceolate, rather shorter than the falls. June. l. firm, ensiform, 1in. broad. Stem 3ft. high, stout, terete. Native country uncertain. (B. M. 61; R. H. 1875, 357, under name of I. gigantea.)
I. orientalis (Eastern). This species closely resembles l. sibirica, but differs from it by the redness of its young leaves, shorter peduncles, more tender leaves and spathe valves, and more fugitive flowers. Japan and the East of Siberia. (B. M. 1604, under name of I. sibirica sanguinea.)
I. Pallasii (Pallas'). A synonym of I. ensata.
I. pallida (pale). fl. with an Orange-blossom-like fragrance; limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep, varying from a bright slaty-lilac to a deep lilac-purple; falls 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, reflexing half-way down, veined in the lower half with bright lilac on a white ground; beard bright yellow; standards as broad as the falls, somewhat crisped, obovate. June. l. few, tufted, ensiform, 12in. to 18in. long. Stems 2ft. to 3ft. high. Mediterranean region, 1596. A fine species, with many very desirable varieties. (B. M. 685.) I. plicata (plicate). fl. fragrant; limb 2 1/2in. deep; falls 1 1/4in. broad, obovate, cuneately narrowed from the middle to the base, pure white in the centre, veined with bright lilac round the edge and on the claw; beard tipped with yellow; standards 1 1/2in. broad, obovate-oblong, very plicate, pure white in the centre, lilac round the border. July. l. slightly glaucous, 12in. to 18in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, sub-terete, bearing four to six clusters of flowers. A garden race, of unknown origin. (B. M. 870, under name of I. aphylla plicata.)
I. prismatica (prismatic). fl. often in twos; limb 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep, bright lilac-blue; falls with a roundish limb, under 1in. broad, much shorter than the strap-shaped claw; standard oblanceolate-unguiculate, erect, much shorter than the falls. May. l. linear, tufted, moderately firm. Stem 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. high, slender, terete. Eastern United States. This species is very like I. sibirica, but it has exserted pedicels, and a small spathe. (B. M. 1504.)
I. Pseudo-acorus (bastard Acorus).* Yellow Iris, or Water Flag. fl. large, almost scentless, clustered; limb bright yellow, 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls rotundate, 1 1/4in. to 1 1/2in. broad, bright orange-yellow, with a deeper spot at the throat, with radiating veins of brown; claw green down the back; standards oblanceolate, spathulate, erect, about 1/2in. long. April. l. ensiform, glaucous, 1in. broad. Stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, stout, terete, forked low down. Europe (Britain), Western Asia. A well-known and handsome bog-plant, of which there is a variety among two or three others, with variegated leaves. (F. D. 494; Sy. En. B. 1495.)
I. pumila (dwarf).* fl. small, solitary; limb bright lilac-purple, 2in. deep; falls oblong-unguiculate, 3/4in. broad, reflexing about half-way down, with a dense white beard down the claw and lower part of the keel; standards erect, same length and breadth as the falls, not quite so deep in colour. April. l. ensiform, about four in a tuft, slightly glaucous. Stem scarcely any. h. 4in. or 5in. Europe, Asia Minor, 1596. An exceedingly pretty species, the type and its varieties, making excellent subjects for edging or for bedding purposes. (B. M. 9.) I. p. attica (Attic). fl. yellow; divisions feather-veined with brown-lilac.
I. p. caerulea (blue). fl., limb bright blue; beard of the falls bright yellow. (B. M. 1261.)
I. rubro-marginata (red-margined).* fl., tube 2in. long, green, tinged with purple towards the top; limb dead purple, 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, reflexing half-way down, with a purple beard; standards obovate-unguiculate, erect; spathe two-flowered, the valves keeled and margined with red. Spring. l. falcate-ensiform, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad. Stem none. h. 4in. Scutari, 1875.
I. ruthenica (Russian). fl. fragrant; limb lilac-purple, 1 1/2in. deep; falls oblong-unguiculate, with a reflexed lamina 1/2in. broad; standards oblanceolate-unguiculate, erect, 1/4in. broad. Spring. l. much overtopping the flowers, linear, acuminate, firm, ribbed. Stems slender, 1in. to 4in. high, one-headed. Transylvania and Siberia to China, 1804. (B. M. 1123 and 1393.)
I. sambucina (Elder-scented).* fl. with a strong scent of Elder, large, disposed in clusters; limb 2in. to 2 1/4in. deep; falls obovate-cuneate, reflexing half-way down, little over 1in. broad, upper half plain claret-purple; beard yellow; standards obovate-unguiculate, erect, emarginate, 1 1/4in. broad, dull yellow, suffused with dull claret-purple. May. l. about six in a tuft, glaucous, 15in. to 18in. long, 1in. to 1 1/4in. broad. Stems 2ft. high, branched low down, bearing three or four clusters of flowers. Europe, Asia Minor, 1758. (B. M. 187.)
I. setosa (bristle-pointed). fl. clustered; limb bright lilac, 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, 1in. broad, reflexing half-way down; standards oblanceolate-spathulate, erect, 1/2in. long. May. l. thin, basal ones 1ft. or more long, about 1/2in. broad. Stems 2ft. to 3ft. high, rather stout, branched low down. Eastern Siberia to Japan, 1844. A rare and handsome species, not unlike I. sibirica. SYN. I. brachycuspis (under which name it is figured in B. M. 2326).
I. sibirica (Siberian).* fl. two or three in a cluster; limb bright lilac-blue, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls with an oblong blade, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, much veined with bright violet on a light ground; standards rather shorter than the falls, erect, oblanceolate-unguiculate, about 1/2in. broad. May and June. l. linear, five to six in a tuft, greenish, ribbed, 1ft. to 2ft. long. Stem terete, fistulose, 1ft. to 2 1/2ft. high, simple or forked. Central and Southern Europe to Siberia, 1596. A well-known species, and one of the commonest in cultivation. It requires plenty of sunshine and a rich damp soil to bring its beauty to full perfection. The forms of it are numerous, and varied in colouring. The variety with double flowers is not a handsome plant. (B. M. 60.)
I. speculatrix (watcher). fl. limb lilac, the divisions sub-equal, obovate, emarginate at the apex; the reflexing lamina of the falls half as long as the claw, which is spotted with violet and white at the throat, and furnished for its lower two-thirds with a simple yellow crest with purple spots; standards erect and plain lilac. April. l. linear, strongly ribbed, acute, minutely toothed, and hyaline at the edge. Stems under 1ft. high, bracteated by several reduced leaves. Greenhouse. Hong Kong, 1876. (B. M. 6306.)
I. spuria (spurious). fl. in sessile or nearly sessile clusters; limb bright lilac, 1 1/2in. to 2in. long falls with a round blade under 1in. broad, hardly at all deflexed, furnished with a bright yellow keel beginning at the base of the limb and running down the claw, which is faintly streaked with purple on a white ground; standards oblanceolate, shorter than the falls, bright lilac. June and July. l. erecto-patent, 1ft. long, 1/2in. broad. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, little branched, stout, sub-terete. Europe, Asia, Algeria, 1759. (B. M. 58.) I. squalens (daubed).* fl. in clusters, with a faint Elder-like scent; limb 2 1/2in. to 3in. deep; falls obovate-cuneate, 1 1/2in. broad, reflexing half-way down, upper part bright lilac-purple; beard bright yellow; standards length and breadth same as the falls, obovate-unguiculate, erect, rather crisped, dull lilac and yellow or brownish-yellow. May and June. l. tufted, ensiform, glaucous. Stems 2ft. to 3ft. high, branched half-way down, bearing three or four clusters of flowers. Europe, Asia, 1768. (B. M. 787.) Two desirable varieties are atro purpurea and lavendulacea.
I. stenogyne (with narrow-stigma). A synonym of I. Gulden-stadtiana.
I. stylosa (large-styled). A synonym of I. unguicularis.
I. subbiflora (sub-two-flowered). A synonym of I. biflora.
I. susiana (Susian).* fl. solitary; limb 3in. deep; falls and standards similar in size and shape, with a round blade, 1 1/2in. to 3in. broad, cuneately narrowed to a short claw, with dense fine spots and lines of brown-black on a whitish groundwork tinged with lilac; falls reflexing about half-way up, densely pilose down the claw, with a broad cushion of brown-black hairs; standards erect, much spotted on a groundwork of brighter lilac. April. l. ensiform, stem-clasping, pale green, rather firm. Stem 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high. Levant, 1573. A most distinct and beautiful species, requiring a slight protection in winter in colder parts of the country.
I. Swertii (Swert's). fl. very fragrant; limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; segments pure white, 1in. broad, slightly veined with lilac, purple towards the edge; falls obovate-cuneate, with a yellow beard; standards obovate-unguiculate, much crisped, pure white, except the purple keel and border. May. l. ensiform, glaucous. Stem 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, bearing three or four clusters of flowers, slightly branched. A handsome plant, the native country of which is unknown. (S. B. F. G. ser. ii. 254.) I. tectorum (roof).* fl., limb bright lilac, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls above 1in. broad, very obtuse, crisped at the edge, marked with deep lilac veins on a paler lilac groundwork, narrowed cuneately into a claw half as long as the limb, which is variegated with lilac streaks on a white ground, the deeply laciniated white and lilac crest 1/2in. deep; standards spreading, rather shorter than the falls, with an orbicular plain lilac limb; spathe single, terminal, two or three-flowered. June. l. ensiform, pale green, about 1ft. long, thin. Stem 1ft. or more high. Japan, 1872. A rare, but distinct and beautiful, species. SYN. I. tomiolopha. (B. M. 6118; G. C. n. s., vi. 37.)
I. tenax (strong). fl. solitary; limb bright lilac-purple, 2in. to 3in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, with a reflexing blade 3/4in. to 1in. broad; standards nearly as long, 1/4in. broad, oblanceolate, with a long claw. May and June. l. two, linear, moderately firm. Stem 6in. to 12in. high, slender. North America, 1826. (B. M. 3343; B. R. 1218.) According to Douglas, the Indians make from the fibre derived from the leaves of this species "deer and elk snares sufficiently strong to take even the largest and most powerful of these animals; and it is also used by the women for making small bags and reticules, exactly the same as steel chain purses of fine workmanship, and for fishing."
I. tomiolopha (jagged-crest). A synonym of I. tectorum.
I. tridentata (three-toothed). fl., limb lilac-purple, 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, 1in. or more broad, reflexing half-way down; claws white, veined with lilac; standards oblanceolate-spathulate, erect, about 1/2in. long; spathes two-flowered. May. l. ensiform. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long. Stem slender, terete, hollow. North America, 1829. (B. M. 2886, under name of I. tripetala.) I. tuberosa (tuberous).* Snake's Head. fl. solitary; limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls with an orbicular, obtuse, lurid purple, veinless lamina, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, not more than half as long as the oblong spathulate claw, which is greenish-yellow on both sides, and 3/4in. to 1in. broad at the middle; standards erect, under 1in. long, rhomboid, unguiculate; blade entire or tricuspidate; spathe with usually only a single large green valve, which often overtops the flower. April and May. l., outer ones bract-like, lanceolate; inner ones two or three, weak, glaucous, tetragonal, erect. Stem weak, slender, hollow, about 1ft. long. Levant, 1597. A well-known species, and one of the earliest introduced into this country. (B. M. 531.)
I. unguicularis (clawed).* fl. solitary, fragrant; limb 3in. deep, bright lilac; falls obovate, 1in. broad, narrowed gradually into a linear claw, keeled with yellow and streaked with lilac on a white ground at the throat; standards nearly the same shapes and size as the falls, lilac, erect. February. l. in a distichous basal tuft, linear, erect, firm. Plant stemless. Algeria. SYN. I. stylosa (under which name it is included in B. M. 5773).
I. variegata (variegated).* fl., limb 2in. deep; falls oblong, cuneately narrowed to the base, 3/4in. broad; upper part deep claret-brown, middle much veined with brown on a yellow groundwork; beard bright yellow; standards erect, oblong-unguiculate, bright lemon-yellow. May. l. tufted, purple at the base, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 1in. broad. Stem 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, glaucous, forked low down, bearing three or four, one to two-flowered, terminal spathes. Eastern Europe, 1597. A handsome species, having several very desirable varieties. (B. M. 16.)
I. verna (spring). fl. solitary; limb 1 1/2in. deep; segments oblong-unguiculate, both about 1/2in. broad; claw orange at the throat, spotted with black, and furnished with a central, slightly raised, scarcely villose line. Spring. l. linear, 6in. to 12in. long, slightly glaucous. Plant almost stemless. Southern United States, 1748. A scarce plant; several kinds are sold under this name (S. B. F. G. 68.) I. versicolor (various-coloured).* fl. clustered; limb claret purple, under 2in. deep; falls obovate-unguiculate, reflexing halfway down; the roundish lamina 3/4in. to 1in. broad, cuneate at the base; standards oblanceolate-spathulate, light claret-purple. June. l. ensiform, rather glaucous. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, terete, forked low down, with two or three clusters of flowers beside the end one. North America, 1732. A common and handsome species. (B. M. 21.)
I. virescens (greenish). fl., tube greenish-yellow, 1in. to 1 1/4in. long; limb 2in. deep; falls oblong, cuneately narrowed to a claw, 1/2in. to 3/8in. broad, greenish-yellow, streaked in the lower half with dull purple; beard bright yellow; standards oblong-unguiculate, dull yellow, 3/4in broad, the claw spotted and streaked with green and dull purple. April and May. l. as in I. lutescens. Europe. According to Mr. Baker, this is the least ornamental or attractive of all the bearded Irises.
I. virginica (Virginian). fl., limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep, bright lilac-purple; falls round-unguiculate, reflexed half-way down; lamina 1in. broad, 1in. to 1 1/4in. long; standards erect, oblanceolate-spathulate, deep lilac, less than 1/2in. broad. June. l. firm, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, about 1in. broad. Stem 2ft. or more high, forked, compressed towards the base, terete upwards. North America, 1758. (B. M. 703.)
Sect. II. Xiphions.
I. alata (winged).* fl., tube cylindrical, 3in. to 6in. long; limb bright lilac-purple, 3in. deep; falls oblong, 1in. broad, bright yellow at throat; inner segments oblanceolate-spathulate, 1in. long, spreading horizontally; spathe sessile, with lanceolate valves, 3in. to 4in. long. October to December. l. sub-erect, lanceolate, acuminate, nearly 1ft. long. Spain, Algiers, &c., 1801. A strikingly handsome species. (B. R. 1876.)
I. anglica (English). A garden synonym of I. Xiphioides. I. caucasica (Caucasian). fl. in one-flowered spathes, scentless; limb pale yellow, 1 1/2in. deep; falls obovate, 1/2in. broad, reflexing only in the upper third; stigmas broad, pale yellow, with deltoid crests. February and March. l. four to five, sharply falcate, lanceolate. Stem one to three-flowered, or very short. Caucasus to Persia. (S. B. F. G. 255.)
I. filifolia (thread-leaved).* fl., tube 1in. long above the ovary; limb bright deep purple, 2 1/2in. deep; orbicular lamina of the falls 1in. deep, shorter than the panduriform claw, and keeled with bright yellow at the base; standards oblanceolate, erect; spathe 3in. to 4in. long, with pale green lanceolate valves. l. six or more; lower ones filiform over 1ft. long; scarious outside ones at base of stem, flat, and mottled with deep purple. Stem slender, terete, 1ft. to 2ft. high, ending in a single spathe. Gibraltar, 1869. (B. M. 5928.) SYN. Xiphion tingitanum (of B. M. 5981, not of Baker).
I. Histrio (actor).* fl., tube 3in. to 4in. long, filiform, exserted; limb lilac-purple, 1 1/2in. deep; falls copiously streaked and spotted with lilac on a paler ground, and keeled with yellow down the face; claw narrowed gradually from top to base; standards plain lilac, oblanceolate, erect; spathe one-flowered, sessile, in the centre of the leaf tuft; valves 3in. to 4in. long. February. l. about two to a tuft, and produced with several others, reaching 1ft. in length. Palestine, 1873. (B. M. 6033.)
I. juncea (Rush-like). fl., tube slender, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long; limb pale yellow, 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; lamina of falls orbicular, 1in. broad, as long as the broad claw; standards oblanceolate, erect, 1/4in. broad; spathe 2in. to 3in. deep, with lanceolate, acuminate valves. May and June. l. numerous, superposed, terete, under one line thick; lower ones 1ft. long. Stems flexuose, terete, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, ending in a single spathe. North Africa, 1869. In Algeria, according to Mr. Baker, the bulbs of this species are eaten. (B. M. 5890.) I. persica (Persian).* fl. violet-scented; limb 1 1/2in. to 2in. deep; falls oblong-spathulate, 1/2in. broad, cuneate at the base, pale yellowish-lilac, with a bright yellow beardless keel, waved at the edges. February and March. Stem none. l. four or five in a basal tuft, linear, recurved, 2in. to 3in. long at the flowering season. Asia Minor to South Persia. (B. M. 1.)
I. reticulata (netted).* fl., tube 2in. to 3in. long, exserted; limb deep violet-purple, 1 1/2in. deep; lamina of falls oblong, half as long as the oblong-cuneate claw, with a narrow paler keel, violet-spotted, and with a narrow yellow line down the centre; standards erect, oblanceolate; spathe one-flowered, sessile. February and March. l. generally two to a tuft, as high as the flower at flowering time, and growing afterwards to a length of 1ft. or more, one line thick. Caucasus, &c. (B. M. 5577; L. B. C. 1829; R. G. 452; S. B. F. G. ser. ii. 189.)
I. r. Krelagei (Krelage's). This "differs from the type in being nearly or quite inodorous, with a tube not exserted from the spathe, and the colour of the limb a more slaty-purple, with the yellow keel of the lamina of the falls fainter, and the claw not merely keeled in the centre, but variegated with blotches and lines that reach to the edge" (J. G. Baker).
I. tingitana (Tangierian).* fl., tube 1 1/2in. long; limb lilac-purple, 3in. deep; orbicular blade of falls shorter than the panduriform claw; standards erect, oblanceolate; spathes two-flowered, 5in. to 6in. deep, with lanceolate acuminate valves. l., lower ones linear-complicate, over 1ft. long, 1/2in. broad after leaving the stem; upper ones gradually smaller. Stem stout, terete, 2ft. to 3ft. high, ending in a single spathe. Tangiers, 1872. (B. M. 6775.) I. vulgare (common).* fl., tube scarcely any; limb 2in. to 2 1/2in. deep; falls with an orbicular reflexing blade 1in. broad and deep, dashed with bright purple down the centre, and a broad erectopatent claw; standards purple, erect; spathe valves 3in. to 4in. long. June. l. four or six below the spathe valves; lowest 1ft. or more long, linear-sub-terete, deeply channelled; upper ones gradually resembling the spathe valves. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, one or two-flowered. Portugal, 1596. (B. M. 686, under name of I. Xiphium.)
I. v. lusitanicum (Portuguese). fl. bright yellow, or more or less suffused with brown. (B. M. 679, under name of I. lusitanica.)
I. xiphioides (Xiphion-like).* fl., limb deep lilac-purple, 2 1/2in. to 3in. deep; blade of falls round-oblong, flushed with yellow down the face, and rather exceeding the deltoid claw; standards purple, erect, oblanceolate; spathe about 3in. deep. July. l. about six in a basal tuft, and three or four from the stem below the spathe; lower ones 1ft. long, linear, 3/8in. to 1/2in. broad, deeply channelled. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, two or three-flowered. Pyrenees. SYNS. I. anglica, of gardens, Xiphion latifolium. Of this species, there are numerous varieties in colour of flowers.