Field gladiolus (Gladiolus italicus, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gladiolus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to C. Asia

Description

The Field Gladiolus, scientifically known as Gladiolus italicus, is a vibrant and striking plant that belongs to the Iridaceae family. Described and documented as early as 1768 by the notable botanist Philip Miller in the eighth edition of the Gardener’s Dictionary, this flowering plant is a valuable part of botanical history and horticultural interest.

Native to the diverse regions of Macaronesia and spanning from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, the Field Gladiolus thrives in these various climates, demonstrating its remarkable adaptability. This plant is particularly prized for its stunning and colorful blooms that can light up meadows and fields, creating a picturesque landscape.

The slender stalks of Gladiolus italicus are adorned with multiple flowers arranged in an elegant, spike-like formation. These flowers are typically a vibrant pinkish-purple, each one opening sequentially from the bottom upwards, thus ensuring an extended flowering period and prolonged visual appeal.

The Field Gladiolus is not only appreciated for its beauty but also serves an important ecological role in its native habitats, providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its presence benefits biodiversity and supports the health of various ecosystems. For gardeners and plant enthusiasts, this plant is a cherished addition that not only enhances aesthetic value but also contributes to the conservation of native species.

With its historical significance, ecological importance, and undeniable beauty, Gladiolus italicus continues to captivate botanists and gardeners alike, solidifying its status as a remarkable and cherished species within the Iridaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: italian gladiolus, common sword-lily, field gladiolus, common sword lily, cornfield gladiolus, corn fflag gladiolus
Deu: saat-siegwurz
Swe: tidig sabellilja
Ara: دلبوت
En: Field gladiolus, Common sword-lily, Italian gladiolus, Common Sword Lily, Cornfield Gladiolus, Corn fflag gladiolus, Corn Gladiolus
Ar: سيف الغراب (سيف الغُراب), دلبوت
Ca: Lliri del blat, Lliri dels blats
Fr: Glaïeul d’Italie, Glaïeul des moissons
De: Saat-Siegwurz, Italienische Gladiole
He: סייפן התבואה
It: Giglio rosso, Gladiolo dei campi, Spadacciuola, Spaderella, Spadina
Es: Gladiolo de campo
Sv: Tidig sabellilja

Synonyms

• Gladiolus pallidus (Bouché)
• Gladiolus spathaceus (Parl.)
• Gladiolus communis var. distichus (Gouan)
• Gladiolus cyclocarpus (Jord.)
• Gladiolus segetum subsp. guepinii ((K.Koch) Nyman)
• Gladiolus ludovicae (Jan ex Bertol.)
• Gladiolus commutatus (Bouché)
• Gladiolus segetum var. ludovicae ((Jan ex Bertol.) Nyman)
• Gladiolus proteiflorus (G.B.Romano ex Lutati)
• Gladiolus infestus (Bianca)
• Sphaerospora segetum ((Ker Gawl.) Sweet)
• Gladiolus tenuiflorus (K.Koch)
• Gladiolus communis var. parviflorus (Bastard ex DC.)
• Gladiolus segetum var. grandiflorus ((Gouan) Rouy)
• Gladiolus communis var. grandiflorus (Gouan)
• Gladiolus dalmaticus (Tausch ex Rchb.)
• Gladiolus ruricola (Jord.)
• Gladiolus dubius (Parl.)
• Gladiolus arvaticus (Jord.)
• Gladiolus rigescens (Jord.)
• Gladiolus segetalis (St.-Lag.)
• Ballosporum segetum ((Ker Gawl.) Salisb.)
• Gladiolus segetum var. guepinii ((K.Koch) Baker)
• Gladiolus segetum (Ker Gawl.)
• Gladiolus segetum var. infestus ((Bianca) Nyman)
• Gladiolus segetum subsp. ludovicae ((Jan ex Bertol.) K.Richt.)
• Gladiolus segetum f. sterilis (M.Arnaud)
• Gladiolus segetum subsp. guepini ((W.D.J.Koch) Nyman)
• Gladiolus segetum subsp. commutatus ((Bouché) K.Richt.)
• Gladiolus leucanthus (Bouché)
• Gladiolus turkmenorum (Czerniak.)
• Gladiolus guepinii (K.Koch)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Oman (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jun 2, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by ms ma (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 9, 2014 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2014 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by etienne copeaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 7, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Victoria Cabaleiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by JAVIER GARCÍA GARCÍA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 9, 2014 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2019 by Frank Domurath (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by gabouille (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 1985 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Jenkins Sly (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2021 by raphaelh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean GOURAULT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Aude Guerin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2018 by alberi molise (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:437543-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2749791)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gladiolus italicus Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 4