Beachhead Iris, Canada beachhead iris, Wild flag
Iris setosa
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Blue, Purple. Main Bloom Time: Late spring. Form: Upright or erect.
Iris setosa 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 in June, and the seeds ripen in August. 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 and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Wet peaty meadows, riversides and open woods, sometimes also in brackish bogs.
Northwestern N. America, coastal regions of E. Asia to Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root - yields an edible starch. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Roasted and ground seed is a coffee substitute.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the root is used as a laxative.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Other
Rating: 1
A dye is obtained from the petals, but the colour is not specified.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Container, Massing, Specimen. Prefers a well-drained moist soil but succeeds in most soils. Dislikes lime and dry soils. The form from N. Hokkaido does not require an acid soil. Cultivated for its edible root in Japan. Many named forms have been selected for their ornamental value. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: 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 September after flowering. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
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.