Iris is a genus of between 200-300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers which takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, Iris is also very widely used as a common name and refers to all Iris species as well as some closely related genera.

The genus is widely distributed throughout the north temperate zone. Their habitats are considerably varied, ranging from cold regions into the grassy slopes, meadowlands, stream banks of Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, Asia and across North America.

They are perennial herbs, growing from creeping rhizomes (rhizomatous irises), or, in drier climates, from bulbs (bulbous irises). They have long, erect, flowering stems, which may be simple or branched, solid or hollow, and flattened or have a circular cross-section. The rhizomatous species usually have 3-10 basal, sword-shaped leaves growing in dense clumps. The bulbous species have cylindrical basal leaves.

	Black Iris 10 Seeds - Iris chrysographes - Perennial
	The deep purple-maroon blooms are so nearly black some consider this the long sought after "black iris". Adds a touch of mystery wherever it is planted. Similar to Siberian Iris in form and habit, it grows best in constantly moist soil...

	Tennison Ridge German Bearded Iris Rhizome - New
	New! Deep purple standards with a white center and a pale orange beard.They bloom in spring and fall! We are offering some of the best Reblooming German Iris varieties available. Reblooming Iris have a tendency to send up additional bloom stalks in August, September or October...

	15 Dwarf Blue Iris Reticulata 'Harmony' Flower Bulbs
	Iris reticulate Harmony Use: Beds, rock gardens, in patio planters, and woodland gardens. Exposure/Soil: Full part sun (but must be 5-6 hours of sun) . Moist, well-drained soil, but not soggy. Tolerates summer drought, but should be kept moist during growing season...

	Dreamy Irisis Decorative Night Light
	Handcrafted in the USA to the highest standards using licensed materials with great individual care and attention to detail. We are certain that you will be completely delighted and satisfied with our product...

	Iris Garden Decorative Night Light
	Handcrafted in the USA to the highest standards using licensed materials with great individual care and attention to detail. We are certain that you will be completely delighted and satisfied with our product...

	Hummingbirds and Irises Decorative Night Light
	Handcrafted in the USA to the highest standards using licensed materials with great individual care and attention to detail. We are certain that you will be completely delighted and satisfied with our product...

	Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino Blue Iris Soap Set From Italy
	Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino Blue Iris Soap Set From Italy 3 x 4.37 Oz. Beautiful Iris flowers are embossed on each Soap Bar and has a heavenly scent of Iris. Handmade with only natural ingredients, no coloring or detergents...

	Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino Iris Garden Soap Set From Italy
	Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino Iris Garden Soap Set From Italy 3 X 4.37 Oz. Beautiful Iris flowers are embossed on each Soap Bar and has a heavenly scent with purple & gold Iris pictured on the gift box...

	The Iris Family: Natural History and Classification
	Irises and their relatives are lily-like plants related to the orchid and narcissus families, with whom they share a propensity for large, brightly colored, attractive flowers. Many have longlasting flowers—Iris, Gladiolus, and Freesia are among the most important cut-flower crops in the world...

The inflorescences are fan-shaped and contain one or more symmetrical, six-lobed flowers. These grow on a pedicel or lack a footstalk. The three sepals, which are spreading or droop downwards, are referred to as falls. They expand from their narrow base into a broader limb (= expanded portion), often adorned with veining, lines or dots. The three, sometimes reduced, petals stand upright, partly behind the sepal bases. They are called standards. Some smaller iris species have all six lobes pointing straight outwards. The sepals and the petals differ from each other. They are united at their base into a floral tube that lies above the ovary. The styles divide towards the apex into petaloid branches (see pollination, below).

The iris flower is of special interest as an example of the relation between flowering plants and pollinating insects. The shape of the flower and the position of the pollen-receiving and stigmatic surfaces on the outer petals form a landing-stage for a flying insect, which in probing the perianth for nectar, will first come in contact of perianth, three with the stigmatic stamens in one whorl surface which is borne and an ovary formed of three carpels. The shelf-like transverse projection on the inner whorl under side of the stamens, which is beneath the over-arching style arm below the stigma, so that the insect comes in contact with its pollen-covered surface only after passing the stigma, while in backing out of the flower it will come in contact only with the non-receptive lower face of the stigma. Thus, an insect bearing pollen from one flower, will in entering a second, deposit the pollen on the stigma, while in backing out of a flower, the pollen which it bears will not be rubbed off on the stigma of the same flower!