Iris mandshurica

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Iris mandshurica is a yellow-flowered iris that grows from a short, thick rhizome. It is native to temperate areas of Asia, including Russia (Primorye near the Ussuri River) and China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning), with possible populations in Korea and Mongolia. It is grown as an ornamental plant in temperate gardens.

Description: The plant has green, sword-shaped leaves and a smooth green stem bearing 1–2 yellow flowers about 4–5 cm across in May. Each flower has three large outer petals (falls) with maroon to brown veining and a yellow beard in the center, plus three narrower inner petals (standards). After flowering, it forms a spindle-shaped seed capsule up to about 6 cm long. Leaves are up to 10–15 cm long at flowering and lengthen later; stems are 10–20 cm tall. The plant’s rhizomes are short and thick, with fibrous roots.

Habitat and care: Iris mandshurica grows on sunny, dry slopes, steppes, open woodlands, shrubbery edges, at elevations of 400–800 m. It prefers well-drained soil, tolerates mildly acidic to acidic conditions (pH 5.1–6.5), and can handle full sun to partial shade. Water needs are average to high during the growing season. It is hardy in USDA zones 5–11 (some sources list 3–10).

Cultivation and biology: The species is propagated by dividing rhizomes or by seed. Pollen viability can vary with time and climate. In addition to its ornamental use, the plant has been studied for chromosome counts, chemistry, and genetics, and is placed in the Psammiris section of Iris. Chromosome numbers reported include 2n = 14, 20, 28, or 34.

Conservation and notes: Iris mandshurica is endangered in Russia and listed in the country’s Red Data Book. It is protected in a reserve near Senkina Shapka Hill. Like many irises, all parts of the plant can be poisonous if eaten, and handling may cause skin irritation in some people.

Names and taxonomy: The plant is pronounced EYE-ris man-SHUR-ee-ka; common names include Manchu Iris or Manchurian iris. The epithet refers to Manchuria, and it was first described in 1880 by Karl Maximovich. It is generally placed in the genus Iris, subgenus Iris, section Psammiris.