Wild Iris


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Glossary

 

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Habitat: Bogs and meadows

Family:  Iris/Iridaceae

Blooming Season: June and July

Leaf Type: Linear

Root System: Bulbs 

Nickname: Blue Flag

                                Wild Iris

                                  (Iris Setosa)

The Wild Iris (Iris setosa) is found throughout Alaska in bogs and meadows and along lake shores, except north of the Iris circle3.jpg (8118 bytes)Brooks Range.   The family for the Wild Iris is Iridaceae.  Unfortunately, in spite of all of it's beauty, the Wild Iris has no scent.  The 3 large, droopy, colorful parts that you would normally expect to be the petals are actually sepals. The 3 small, narrow, erect petals are in the center of the flower.  The sword-like leaves are tall and stiff.  Irises bloom in June and July.  They form cup like seed pods that can be harvested in August after they are dry and brown.

Do not ever consume any part of the Wild Iris' roots!  It is highly poisonous and will cause vomiting!!!   However, a coffee like drink can be made from the seeds.  Some people prefer to roast the seeds before grinding them to make the drink.  Wild Iris is an example of exquisite beauty!

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Created by Jeremy

Copyright 1999

Photos by Dorthey Scott, used with permission, edited by Jeremy