Definition

Noun A type of iris flower belonging to a group where the drooping outer petals (called sepals or "falls") lack the distinctive fuzzy, hair-like structures (beards) found on many other common iris varieties.

Usage

The term "beardless iris" is used to categorize and describe irises based on a specific botanical characteristic. It is a common name for several species and hybrids. * The water-loving Iris sibirica is a popular beardless iris for garden borders. * Compared to the bearded German iris, a beardless iris has a smooth, often strikingly marked fall.

Advanced Usage

• In horticultural classification, "beardless iris" refers to iris species in subgenera such as and .
• The term is often used in contrast to "bearded iris" to help gardeners identify plant types for different growing conditions (e.g., beardless irises often prefer more moisture).

Variants and Related Words

• Bearded Iris (n.): The direct counterpart; an iris with a fuzzy, caterpillar-like strip on each of its falls.
• Siberian Iris (n.): A specific, well-known type of beardless iris ().
• Japanese Iris (n.): Another prominent type of beardless iris ().

Synonyms

• Smooth-sepaled iris (Technical/Botanical): Emphasizes the lack of hairs on the sepals.
• Apogon iris (Historical/Classification): An older taxonomic group name for many beardless irises.

Related Phrases

• Iris group/category: A broader term under which "beardless iris" is a specific division.
• Rhizomatous iris: A growth habit descriptor; many beardless irises grow from rhizomes, but this term is not exclusive to them.

Noun

1. any of numerous wild or cultivated irises having no hairs on the drooping sepals (the falls)