Iris tuberosa

Iris tuberosa is synonymous with Iris hermodactylus and Hermodactylus tuberosus. It is native to southern Europe.

It is a tuberous perennial that grows less than a foot tall when it is in flower. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7 - 9. It is best planted in full sun.

The flower of Iris tuberosa is green with dark purple, almost black, falls. There is one flower per stem. Flowers have a subtle, yet sweet fragrance. The common name of snake's head iris was derived from the appearance of the flower, which resembles a snake with its mouth open. 

The foliage is messy, strap-like leaves that droop along the ground that are about two feet long. It is unusual in that is is four-sided or "squared" in both appearance and texture. It creates a messy or unkempt appearance to the plant, as it tends to lay or "flop" on the ground.