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Wild iris, Blue Flag, Iris versicolor. L.,
often grows with cattails. Early growth can be confused with
cattails. Cattails have a rounded leaf stalk and no purple
color. Iris leaf stalk is flattened and as it matures is blushed
with purple. Medicinal uses: as a poultice over bruises, edema,
open sores, to treat arthritis. Root tea cleansing purgative in
small amounts. Homeopathic uses abound to treat: emetic,
diuretic, cathartic and as a treatment for migraines.
Not edible! See more poisonous plants |
| Photo shows problem: Iris growing amidst
cattails. The bloom helps you discover the toxic plant.
Note: leaf in left foreground is cattail leaf, whereas sheath of
leaves (purple tinted) to right of bloom in shadow is flattened iris
leaves.
Native American Medicine: Root used as a dressing or poultice to treat sores, tuberculosis, burns, wounds, edema, scrofula, to treat arthritis, rheumatism, to treat blood poisoning. Root a analgesic, purgative and cathartic.. Root blended with Hydrangea arborescens decocted and used to treat gallstones. Antidotal use to treat cholera |
For modern Native American Medicine uses of North American plants see our video of the same title. |