Crested Iris (Iris cristata)

Family: Iridaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Bloom Color: Blue, Purple, White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant sweet taste, within a few minutes this changes to a burning sensation far more pungent than capsicums. — Root - used as a spice.; Frequently chewed by local people to alleviate thirst.; When first chewed the roots have a pleasant sweet taste, within a few minutes this changes to a burning sensation far more pungent than capsicums.; Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woods, wooded bottoms and ravines, usually in calcareous soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)