Herbs Guide

Blue Flag

Family Name: Iridaceae

Botanical Name(s): Iris Versicolor

Popular Name(s): Poison flag, Dragon flower, Water flag, Liver Lily

Parts Used: Root

Habitat: Iris Versicolor is found throughout in eastern and central North America. The herb is found abundantly in Canada and in the United States.

Description: Iris Versicolor possess stout stem which grows to a height of 3 feet and bears 2 ranks of sword shaped long narrow leaves. Flowers generally vary in colour being blue to purple (rarely white) with yellow and whitish markings at the base of the sepals. The rhizomes of the plant have dark brown exterior with longitudinal wrinkles.

Uses: The herb Iris Versicolor is used to cure skin diseases. The plant finds its wide application in skin eruptions such as eczema and psoriasis. The herb has cholagogue, hepatic, alterative, laxative, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used in constipation associated with liver problems or biliousness.