Family Name: Iridaceae
Botanical Name(s): Iris Versicolor
Popular Name(s): Poison flag, Dragon flower, Water flag, Liver
Lily
Parts Used: Root
Habitat: Iris Versicolor is found throughout in eastern and
central North America. The herb is found abundantly in Canada and in the
United States.
Description: Iris Versicolor possess stout stem which grows to a
height of 3 feet and bears 2 ranks of sword shaped long narrow leaves.
Flowers generally vary in colour being blue to purple (rarely white)
with yellow and whitish markings at the base of the sepals. The rhizomes
of the plant have dark brown exterior with longitudinal wrinkles.
Uses: The herb Iris Versicolor is used to cure skin diseases.
The plant finds its wide application in skin eruptions such as eczema
and psoriasis. The herb has cholagogue, hepatic, alterative, laxative,
diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used in
constipation associated with liver problems or biliousness.
