Snake's Head Iris Iris tuberosa

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris tuberosa, also commonly known as the widow iris, is a unique and striking plant that is easily recognizable by its distinctive flowers and foliage. The plant produces a thin, upright stem that is adorned with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are usually a deep green, with a slightly glossy appearance, and grow in a clumping fashion at the base of the plant. The most captivating feature of the widow iris is its flowers. The blooms are complex and ornate, usually bearing a combination of deep velvety purple to nearly black and a contrasting shade like a bright yellow or greenish-yellow. The flowers are comprised of several parts: the falls, which are the three lower petals that may hang or curve downwards, are typically the darker shade, and the standards, the three upright petals, are often lighter in color. Adding to its appeal, the widow iris's flowers exhibit an interesting texture contrast. The falls can display a plush, velvet-like surface, which only heightens their deep coloration, while the standards often have a more satin-like finish. The flowers are not just a visual treat but also emit a subtle fragrance, which can be a delight in a spring garden. This plant is a true standout with its dramatic, contrasting flowers and elegantly simple foliage, which provides a lovely backdrop that accentuates the complex beauty of the blooms. The widow iris adds a touch of dramatic flair to any garden setting or floral arrangement.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Snake's Head Iris, Widow Iris, Velvet Flower-de-luce
- Common names
  Hermodactylus tuberosus, Iris tuberosa var. virescens, Iris arenaria, Xiphion tuberosum, Gynandriris sisyrinchium, Iris sisyrinchium, Iris virescens, Hermodactylus virescens, Moraea sisyrinchium.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Widow Iris (Iris tuberosa) is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. It contains irisin, iridin, or irisine which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It's important to handle the plant with care as it may trigger skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  The Widow Iris (Iris tuberosa) presents a potential risk to pets if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Value: Iris tuberosa, commonly known as snake's head iris, adds visual interest to gardens with its striking flower shape and unique coloration.
- Drought Resistance: Snake's head iris is tolerant of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cold temperatures, which makes it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it reemerges year after year, providing long-term garden interest.
- Multiplication: The plant can multiply from its tubers, allowing gardeners to propagate additional plants easily.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Iris tuberosa, commonly known as widow iris, can be used as an ink or dye source, with various parts of the plant providing a range of hues for artistic or textile coloring applications.
- Widow iris bulbs can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens, deterring rodents and deer due to their characteristic scent.
- The fibrous leaves of widow iris may be crafted into ropes or twines for small scale domestic uses such as garden ties or crafts.
- Dried widow iris plants can be incorporated into flower arrangements, potpourris, or as a component in wreaths, adding an aesthetic and lasting touch to home decor.
- The seeds of widow iris, when dried and treated, can serve as beads for jewelry making, giving an organic touch to handcrafted accessories.
- Widow iris flowers can be pressed and used in decorative art, maintaining their vivid coloration for use in crafting or scrapbooking.
- The stalks of the widow iris, being reasonably sturdy, can be used as natural supports for other plants in the garden.
- The distinctive silhouette and structure of the widow iris can be used for educational purposes, such as botanical studies or for teaching plant morphology.
- Pulverized widow iris bulbs, due to their aromatic properties, may be used as a natural freshener when placed in wardrobes or drawers.
- Widow iris can be used as a natural dye in culinary presentations, adding a whimsical touch to foods such as pastas or baked goods with its vivid colors.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Widow Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Widow Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Royalty: The Iris tuberosa is commonly associated with royalty due to its regal appearance and its namesake, the Greek goddess Iris – who was a messenger of the gods and personification of the rainbow.
- Wisdom: This plant sometimes symbolizes wisdom, as it's believed that the goddess Iris would deliver messages of truth and enlightenment.
- Hope: With its vibrant colors that cut through even the gloomiest days, the Iris tuberosa is often seen as a symbol of hope and cherished for its ability to signal the arrival of spring.
- Faith: In various cultures, the iris represents faith, trust, and cherished beliefs, as its beauty and endurance often stand as a metaphor for enduring commitment.
- Courage: The Iris tuberosa can also be a symbol of courage due to its hardy nature which signifies the ability to stand strong in the face of adversity.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
The Widow Iris, also known as Iris tuberosa, should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural Mediterranean environment. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 0.5 gallons per plant, ensuring the soil is well-drained. Reduce watering to every other week or less once the plant is established and showing signs of new growth, and always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During the dormant season in winter, watering should be minimal to prevent root rot, providing a light watering only if the soil is extremely dry.
Light
The Widow Iris thrives best in full sun exposure but can also handle partial shade. Ideal locations would be spots that receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers and foliage from scorching.
Temperature
The Widow Iris is comfortable in temperatures that range from 50°F to 80°F but can withstand dips down to 20°F and peaks up to 90°F for short periods. The ideal growing conditions, however, are when daytime temperatures are in the 70°F range, as this promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Widow Iris benefits from pruning to remove spent blooms and to tidy up any dead or dying foliage, which promotes healthier growth and better airflow. The best time to prune is after flowering, cutting back the flower stalks to the base. A general cleanup at the end of the season, removing dead leaves and debris, also helps prevent disease.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Widow Iris (Iris tuberosa) thrives in well-draining soil with a preference for loamy to sandy soil types. The ideal soil pH for Widow Iris is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A good soil mix might include equal parts garden soil, sand, and peat or compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Widow Iris typically does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3 to 5 years, or when the clumps become overcrowded, will suffice to maintain plant health and vigor.
Humidity & Misting
Widow Iris is not particularly demanding in terms of humidity and will do well in average garden conditions. It prefers a dry to moderate humidity level, typical of outdoor environments in its growing zones, requiring no special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Widow Iris indoors: Place in bright light, well-draining soil, keep moderately dry.
- Outdoor
  Plant Widow Iris outdoors in full sun, well-draining soil, and space bulbs apart.
- Hardiness zone
  7-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris tuberosa, commonly known as the snake's head iris, begins its life cycle as a bulb-like structure called a tuber, which can lie dormant in the soil before initiating growth. In early spring, the tuber sends up linear, grass-like leaves and a flower stalk bearing an unusual green and dark brown, almost black, flower that resembles a snake's head, hence the common name. After pollination, typically by bees attracted to its scent and colors, the flower develops into a three-chambered seed capsule containing numerous seeds. When the capsule ripens, it opens to release the seeds into the surrounding environment where they can grow into new plants if conditions are favorable. Throughout the summer, the foliage photosynthesizes and stores energy in the tuber for the next growing season. As temperatures drop in autumn, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, and the tuber enters a period of dormancy before the cycle begins anew with the next warm season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- The most popular method of propagating Iris tuberosa, commonly known as the widow iris or snake's head iris, is by dividing its tuberous rhizomes. The best time for this is late summer after the leaves have died back or in early autumn. Carefully dig up the clumps of rhizomes, avoiding damage, and then gently pull apart or cut the rhizomes with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. The divisions should be replanted promptly, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth. It is important to plant the rhizomes at the same depth they were previously growing, and to water them well after planting to encourage establishment.