Friday, December 19, 2008

European Juno Iris


A native Sicilian iris that flowers in December? As a matter of fact, yes. This species is dwarf (to 15 cm. or 6 in. tall), grows from a bulb rather than a rhizome, and has fleshy storage roots. It's often found growing on sunny, rocky hillsides and slopes at mid-elevation locations. This is the only European representative of the Juno iris type. At this time of year the lovely flowers are displayed against arching, sickle-shaped, glossy green leaves. Don't search for the plant in summer. It passes that hot dry season in a dormant, leafless state.

Scientific name: Iris planifolia
Italian common name: Giaggiolo bulboso
English common name: European Juno iris

No comments: