Plant
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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyProduces 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
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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