Plant · GBIF taxon 5298069
Bearded Iris
Iris germanicaAlso known as German Iris, German Bearded Iris
Bearded Iris is a widely cultivated rhizomatous plant of hybrid origin, with three upright standards and three drooping falls on each large flower. A dense fuzzy beard runs along the center of every fall, guiding pollinators into the bloom.
Rhizomatous PerennialBearded FallsHybrid Garden Plant
Licensed reference(c) Bob Gutowski, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Produces energy through photosynthesis and stores water and carbohydrates in thick surface rhizomes
Predators
- Iris borers
- Slugs
- Deer
ThreatsRhizome rot, iris borers, waterlogged soil, prolonged drought, and loss of old cultivated plantings
HabitatsGardens, old homesteads, cemeteries, sunny roadsides, banks, and other well-drained cultivated ground
Life spanA long-lived perennial whose dividing rhizomes can persist for decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyIridaceae
- GenusIris
- SpeciesIris germanica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Iris sap can irritate skin, and swallowing rhizomes or leaves may cause severe digestive illness.
- Why it is dangerous
- Iris tissues contain irritating compounds that can inflame skin and cause vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea when swallowed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Three upright standards, three drooping bearded falls, swordlike leaves, and thick shallow rhizomes identify the cultivated iris group.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when gardening, wash exposed skin, and prevent children or pets from chewing leaves or rhizomes.
Responsible observation
- Beard: Confirm a fuzzy line on each of the three drooping falls.
- Rhizome: View thick surface rhizomes without cutting, digging, or touching sap.
- Children: Keep fallen leaves and divided rhizomes away from children and pets.
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