Dear Dennis and all, I have to add a bit about this iris because it is a favorite of mine. I am also responsible for its introduction into horticulture outside of China. I brought and distributed a number of plants from China in 1989 and a few years ago registered an introduced a specific clone as 'Snake Bane'. This iris has a very unusual history in Chinese medicine and horticulture. The Chinese (used to?) believe that this Iris was in some way related to snakes and was able to repel snakes from around gardens because of its odd 'life style'. It blooms quite early in late April to early May then rapidly goes dormant as it looses its foliage and 'vigor' it is belive that it looses its ability to repel snakes and they can return to the garden during the peak of summer. In late fall, the new foliage begins to emerge and this renewed growth is able to force the snakes into winter hibernation. Even in quite cold climates, the iris retains foliage and keeps the snakes away all winter. So the pattern of growth indirectly reflects the pattern of snake activity and is considered causal in the Chinese mind - at least at one time. It is further believed that if you are unfortunate enough to get bitten by a snake when the iris is dormant, you can dig a rhizome, crush it and apply it as a poultice to the bite to drive out the poisons. Dried rhizome is available at better Chinese pharmacies. The Latin name 'anguifuga' literally means "snake flees" thus the name 'Snake Bane'. Yet another curiosity, it is unique among the genus as the only beardless iris species to have a single bract beneath the flower- all others have two. This and a few other odd morphological characters make it the only member of its own Section Ophioiris (meaning 'snake iris'). This is undoubtedly much more than you ever needed to know except it is easy to grow and guaranteed to keep snakes out of your garden - or not. Best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +