Butterfly-flower (Iris japonica, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 2: 327 (1794))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 2: 327 (1794)

Year: 1794

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Iris

Vegetable: False

Observations: China to Myanmar, C. & S. Japan

Description

The Butterfly-flower, scientifically known as Iris japonica, is a captivating member of the Iridaceae family. First described in 1794 by Thunb. in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (Vol. 2: 327), this exquisite plant has captivated botanists and gardeners alike for centuries.

Native to regions spanning from China to Myanmar as well as central and southern Japan, Iris japonica boasts a broad geographical distribution that speaks to its adaptability and resilience. Its natural habitats are often diverse, ranging from the delicate understories of woodlands to the sun-dappled clearings of mountainous regions.

The Butterfly-flower is celebrated for its striking appearance, which indeed resonates with its common name. Its blossoms are typically adorned with a delicate palette of lavender, blue, and white, often accented with fringed petals that lend an ornamental, almost ethereal quality. These flowers bloom in the spring, creating a stunning visual display reminiscent of butterfly wings gently unfolding.

Beyond its visual allure, Iris japonica is also appreciated for its foliage. The plant exhibits slender, sword-shaped leaves that provide a graceful and structured backdrop to its vibrant flowers. This combination of textural leaves and delicate blooms makes the Butterfly-flower a versatile and desirable addition to gardens, particularly in areas seeking to emulate Asian garden aesthetics.

Cultivating Iris japonica can be a rewarding endeavor. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade, making it suitable for various planting conditions. Gardeners often find that it requires minimal maintenance, aside from routine tasks like dividing clumps to encourage healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.

In summary, the Butterfly-flower, or Iris japonica, stands out not only for its beauty but also for its historical and botanical significance. Its presence from China and Myanmar to Japan enriches the floral tapestry of these regions, embodying the delicate balance between fragility and resilience that makes the natural world so profoundly captivating.

Common Names

Eng: butterfly-flower
Swe: fransiris
En: Butterfly-flower, Fringed iris, Japanese crested iris
Bg: Японски ирис
Zh: Hu die hua, 日本鳶尾, 白花射干, 蝴蝶花, 金剪刀
Cv: Япони ирисӗ
Fr: Iris du Japon
He: אירוס יפני
Fa: زنبق ژاپنی
Ru: Ирис японский
Sv: Fransiris
Zh-tw: 日本鳶尾
Zh-hant: 蝴蝶花
Vi: Đuôi diều

Synonyms

• Evansia japonica ((Thunb.) Klatt)
• Iris chinensis (Curtis)
• Evansia fimbriata ((Vent.) Decne.)
• Iris japonica f. pallescens (P.L.Chiu & Y.T.Zhao)
• Evansia chinensis ((Curtis) Salisb.)
• Iris squalens (Thunb.)
• Iris fimbriata (Vent.)
• Xiphion fimbriatum ((Vent.) Alef.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Yuichiro Katsuro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Jeremy _fhh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2018 by Juan Cruz Borrego (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by M G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by Ornella Depetrini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Cindy Radenac (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken May 1, 2020 by Sabrina Olaru (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by Наталия Шармагий (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by López Sánchez Luz Marina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Dan Ervin (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Chidouche Chidouche Pierrette (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Meilland (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5297939)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:438741-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris japonica Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth