Flag iris

The Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor, also known as the 'wild iris') is a member of the Iris family native to Canada and America. It has been implicated in several poisoning cases of humans and animals who consumed the rhizomes, which have been found to contain a glycoside[?], iridin[?]. The sap can cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

The plant has large swordlike leaves, and large showy blue flowers. The flowers have six lobes, three of which hang downwards and are actually sepals[?] the same colour as the flower, and three which stand erect.

The blue flag is the provincial flower of Quebec, having replaced the Madonna lily[?] which is not native to the province.

FURTHER READING

• http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/wildiris.htm