Iris anguifuga
James Waddick (Mon, 02 May 2011 21:53:13 PDT)

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 +