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Iris foetidissima
  • Stinking Gladwin

a perennial evergreen member of the Iris genus in the family Iridaceae.

Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    Plants which grow close to or at soil level, not necessary providing a ground cover function.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • permanent shade
    Permanent shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementshigh
    High
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline,very alkaline
    Acid to Very alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 6
    Zone 6
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Iris foetidissima has 3 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The roots of this plant are toxic to grazing mammals[1]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[2].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Iris foetidissima.

Material uses

A good ground cover plant, succeeding in dense shade and in dry soils[3]. Rather slow to spread though, needing weeding for the first year or two[3]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[4].
There are no material uses listed for Iris foetidissima.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Stinking gladwin has a long history of medicinal use, though it can be rather strong in its action and so is little used nowadays[5]. The root is anodyne, antispasmodic and cathartic[6][7]. A decoction of the roots acts as a strong purge, it has also been used as an emmenagogue and for cleaning eruptions[6]. The powdered or infused dried root is beneficial in the treatment of fainting, nervous complaints and to relieve pains and cramps[6][5]. The plant has been used as a cure for ringworm[8].

Unknown part

Anodyne
Antispasmodic
Cathartic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is it is ripe in a cold frame[6]. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame, it may take 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first year. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division, best done in July after flowering. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Iris foetidissima. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown and very tolerant plant, it succeeds in most positions in any good soil in sun or partial shade[9][10]. Succeeds in dense shade. Prefers a moist soil[6] but succeeds in dry soils and, once established, is drought tolerant[11]. Thrives in a bog garden[12]. Requires a well-drained soil containing some lime[13] and succeeds on pure chalk[10]. Established plants are tolerant of considerable neglect and can survive dense weed competition[K].

The evergreen leaves are not very hardy, being killed back by cold winds around -15°c[14], though the rootstock is much hardier and the plant soon recovers in spring. A good plant for woodland edges[15]. Plants often self-sow[208, K]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[11]. The crushed leaves emit a strong odour which, at a distance, resembles hot roast beef[6]. On closer acquaintance the scent becomes disagreeable[6].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Iris foetidissima. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Iris foetidissima.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Iris foetidissima
Genus
Iris
Family
Iridaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
[5][6][7][8]
Material uses & Functions
[3][4]
Botanic
[16][17]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
  • Unknown part (Anodyne)
  • Unknown part (Antispasmodic)
  • Unknown part (Cathartic)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
  • Strong wind
  • Maritime exposure
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Soil surface
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
1 x 1.5 meters
Fertility
self fertile
Pollinators
Bees
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite











References

  1. ? Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
  2. ? Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. ISBN 0-304-31089-1 (1989-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.2 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.7 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.1 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
  9. ? Innes. C. The World of Iridaceae ()
  10. ? 10.010.110.2 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  12. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
  13. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  14. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  15. ? Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. ()
  16. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
  17. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)

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