Iris pseudacorus

Yellow iris

Iris pseudacorus, commonly known as yellow flag iris, is a perennial wetland plant distinguished by its vibrant golden blooms. Native to Europe and Asia, this resilient species thrives in marshes and riverbanks. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, it possesses bioactive properties, though careful handling is essential due to its toxicity.

  • Scientific name: Iris pseudacorus
  • Family: Iridaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Asparagales and the family Iridaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Iris.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Iridaceae WCVP
Genus Iris WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Iris pseudacorus, is referred to by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is known as 黄菖蒲, while in Polish, it is called Kosaciec żółty. The Hebrew name for this species is אירוס ענף, and in the French language of the Occitan region (frr), it is identified as Güül Wüf. Additionally, in Hungarian, the plant is commonly known as sárga nőszirom.
Language Common Name Source
zh 黄菖蒲 Wikidata
pl Kosaciec żółty Wikidata
he אירוס ענף Wikidata
frr Güül Wüf Wikidata
hu sárga nőszirom Wikidata
et kollane võhumõõk Wikidata
de Sumpf-Schwertlilie Wikidata
ja キショウブ Wikidata
br Elestr Wikidata
ga feileastram Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Iris pseudacorus, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, the species is present in the Faroe Islands, which are part of the North Atlantic region. Its range also extends to the British Isles, including Great Britain. Finally, the plant is well-established within the natural habitats of Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Iris pseudacorus, is characterized by several distinct morphological features used in its identification and traditional applications. The most significant medicinal component is found within the thick, creeping rhizomes, which grow horizontally beneath the soil surface. Each individual rhizome serves as a storage organ for the plant, containing the concentrated compounds often sought for therapeutic purposes. Above the ground, the plant displays long, sword-shaped leaves that are typically bright green and grow in an upright, ensiform fashion, providing the necessary surface area for photosynthesis.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Iris pseudacorus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimethoxy-isoflavone, gallocatechin, liquiritigenin, syringic acid, tannin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimethoxy-isoflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallocatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liquiritigenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
syringic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Iris pseudacorus has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Iris pseudacorus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Enterococcus faecalis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆