Iris ensata
Thunb.
Japanese Water Iris
(c) 空猫 T. N, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 空猫 T. N
Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden. (via Wikimedia Commons)
Hamachidori (via Wikimedia Commons)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Root
Root - the source of an edible starch. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Siberia.
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Buryatia, Gorno-Altay, Tyva, Respublika, Chita, Aga Buryat, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk), Kazakhstan, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur, Sakhalin), China (Heilongjiang Sheng (north), Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu)
How to Identify
Iris ensata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
How to Grow
Prefers a light well-drained soil and a sunny position. Prefers partial shade. Likes plenty of moisture and a rich loamy slightly acid soil. Requires a lime-free soil. Some cultivars, in particular the 'Higo' strain, tolerate a pH up to 7.4. Plants can be grown in containers in pond margins but are then best kept in drier conditions over winter. This species is hardy to about -20°c. Cultivated for its root in Japan. (for the starch). There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. 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 in March or October. 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.
Medicinal Uses
Alterative Anthelmintic Antidote Appetizer Depurative Diuretic Hepatic Vermifuge. The root is alterative, anthelmintic, antidote, appetizer, depurative, diuretic, hepatic and vermifuge. It is used with other herbs in the treatment of venereal affections, liver complaints and dropsy.
Other Uses
Basketry Broom Fibre ThatchingA fibre is obtained from the leaves, a substitute for hemp. It is used for rope and coarse cloth. Also used in thatching and basket making. The root is long and fibrous, it is used for making brooms, brushes etc.
