Crested iris, Dwarf Crested Iris
Iris cristata

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A small herb. The plant has leaves 15-20 cm high and flowers 10 cm high. It spreads 8-10 cm wide. It has a rhizome which creeps on the surface of the soil. The leaves are curved and sword shaped. Each leaf is 1-2 cm wide and can be 30-60 cm long. The flowers are flattened and 5 cm wide. They are blue with white and yellow.

There are about 300 Iris species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in shady sites. It needs moist, humus rich soil. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The root is chewed. It is sweet but turns bitter or burning.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Parts of the rhizome are planted. They are spaced 30-60 cm apart and 5-10 cm deep. Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Evansia cristata (Aiton) Klatt; Iris cristata var. alba Dykes; Iris glumacea Raf.; Iris glumacea var. angustifolia Raf.; Iris odorata Pers.; Neubeckia cristata (Aiton) Alef.;