Plant · GBIF taxon 5298546
Iris domestica
iris domesticaAlso known as Blackberry Lily, Leopard Lily, Leopard Flower, Chinese Leopard Flower
Native to eastern Asia, blackberry lily produces striking star-shaped orange blossoms adorned with crimson spots that bloom for just a single day each midsummer. Once pollinated, the spiraling flower stalks drop away to reveal seed pods that split open in autumn, exposing tight clusters of shiny black seeds that closely resemble ripe blackberries. Though long cultivated in traditional gardens, the plant spreads readily by seed and rhizome across sunny borders and grassy slopes.
PerennialOrange FlowersOrnamental
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Iris borer larvae
ThreatsHabitat loss in native range, though abundant in cultivation
HabitatsMeadows, forest margins, open slopes, and sunny gardens
Life span5 to 10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyIridaceae
- GenusIris
- Speciesiris domestica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains toxic iridin compounds and seed clusters resemble blackberries; do not ingest and keep away from pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains toxic glycosides like iridin, causing nausea, severe gastrointestinal pain, and potential distress if consumed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by flat, fan-shaped foliage, spotted orange flowers, and autumn seed clusters that look like blackberries.
- What to do
- Handle with care during garden maintenance and keep all plant parts out of reach of pets and children.
Responsible observation
- Gardening placement: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil to encourage abundant midsummer blooms.
- Propagating: Collect the dry black seeds in autumn or divide rhizomes in early spring.
- Identification tip: Look for six flattened petal-like tepals dotted with bright red spots and fan-shaped foliage.
Close Relative Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and if you want send me a message. or (rufre@lenz-nenning.at) / CC BY-SA 3.0 at · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Myrabella / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Bob Gutowski, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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