Definition

Noun: 1. A type of flowering plant: A large iris plant (Iris germanica) with purple or white flowers, originally from central and southern Europe. 2. A specific iris variety: An iris from northern Italy (Iris pallida) with deep blue-purple flowers; it is similar to but smaller than the common German iris (Iris germanica).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The German iris is a popular and hardy perennial for sunny garden borders.
  • She planted several German iris rhizomes, expecting a beautiful display of purple flowers in the spring.
  • This particular German iris, with its fragrant, pale blooms, is a subspecies native to the Italian Alps.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Classification: In botanical contexts, "German iris" often specifically refers to the tall bearded iris hybrids derived from , which are common in gardens.
  • The hybrid German iris cultivars come in an astonishing array of colors.

Variants and Related Words

• Iris germanica: The Latin or scientific name for the common German iris.
• Bearded iris: A common name for the type of iris to which the German iris belongs, referring to the fuzzy "beard" on the falls (lower petals).
• Iris pallida: The Latin or scientific name for the specific "German iris" from northern Italy mentioned in the second definition.

Synonyms

• Common flag (an archaic name for iris)
• Bearded iris (broader category)

Related Terms

• Rhizome: The thick, horizontal stem from which the German iris grows.
• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years, like the German iris.

Noun

1. a large iris with purple or white flowers, native to central and southern Europe
2. iris of northern Italy having deep blue-purple flowers; similar to but smaller than Iris germanica