Blue Flag
- Iris versicolor L.
- Iridaceae
- Iris family
Common Names
 Blue
Iris
Flag
lily
Fleur-de-lis
Flower
de-luce
Iris
Liver
lily
Poison
flag
Snake
lily
Water
flag
Water
lily
Parts Usually Used
Roots
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Blue
flag is a perennial, 1-3 ft. in height. and grows erect,
has narrow, sword-shaped leaves and, from May to July, violet blue
flowers streaked with yellow, green, and white. The sword-like leaves
are similar to those of garden irises, with flowers violet-blue, sepals
violet at outer edge; veins prominent, sheaths papery. It prefers
wet, swampy locations and is found in such spots from Canada to Florida
and west to Arkansas. Wet meadows, moist soil. Native to America,
it is both beautiful and potentially poisonous. The flowers yield
a blue infusion which can substitute for litmus paper in testing for
acids and alkalines, but it is the root which has been most widely
used. When fresh, the root has a slight odor and a pungent, acrid,
and nauseous taste, a natural warming of the actively poisonous nature
of the fresh root. Although the Indians had some uses for the fresh
root, it was usually collected in autumn and dried.
Blue flag is an iris similar in foliage appearance to the sweet flag,
Acorus calamus. Unfortunately for some, it has quite different properties
and if mistakenly used internally as one might sweet flag, the results
can be disastrous.
Medicinal Properties
Anti-inflammatory, alterative, cathartic, diuretic, laxative, resolvent,
sialagogue, stimulant, vermifuge
Legends, Myths and Stories
About 800 species belonging to more than 50 genera have been described
from temperate to tropical climates, mostly from South Africa and
tropical America.
Uses
American Indians poulticed the root on swellings, sores,
wounds, bruises, ulcers,
takes away freckles, rheumatism;
internally root tea was used as a strong laxative, emetic, and to
stimulate bile flow. Useful in cancer, dropsy, impurity
of blood, syphilis, skin
diseases, liver troubles, and as a laxative.
Warning
This herb is potentially fatal. Could cause death or other serious
consequences. Its use is not recommended without constant medical
supervision.
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