snake's head iris
Also known as: black widow; onion iris; widow iris
I. tuberosa is a tuberous perennial with lance-shaped, glaucous green leaves which appear in winter or early spring. Flowers are borne rather lower than leaf tips, on stems to 40cm, and are a striking combination of greenish-yellow standards with purplish-brown to blackish falls
Scientific classification
- Species
- snake's head iris (Iris tuberosa)
- Genus
- Iris
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Alpine Rockery · Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
snake's head iris pictures
Distribution of snake's head iris
Distribution map
Southern Europe
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of snake's head iris
Information to be completed
snake's head iris care guide
- Medium moisture in growth, then drier once flowering fully finishes
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Medium moisture in growth, then drier once flowering fully finishes
Fertilizing
FertilizingDiluted iris feed every three to four weeks during spring bloom
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by division as soon as the leaves have died back in early summer
Growing
GrowingPlant tubers 10cm (4in) deep in autumn, in moderately fertile, sharply drained alkaline soil in full sun. Dry summers encourage flowering
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Explore the plant health library →
