Promising Plants Profiles

Iris domestica

syn. Belamcanda chinensis

Genus: Iris
Specific Epithet: domestica
Common Names: leopard lily, blackberry lily, she gan
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Color: orange with red spots
Form: short-lived perennial
Hardiness Zone: 5-10, possibly 4A
Height: 1-3'
Soil: moist but well-drained, fertile, sandy soil
Sun: sun or partial shade

Uses: ornamental, medicinal (limited)
Parts Used: rhizome

"This delightful plant has two common names depending on the time of the year. In summer, when it produces a succession of orange, red-spotted flowers, it is called leopard lily, and in the fall, when the capsules split open into three segments to expose the glossy jet-black fruits, it is known as blackberry lily. The Chinese common name is she gan. This describes the rhizomes, which are used in Chinese medicine to treat throat infections and coughs. They contain substances that are effective against various bacterial, viral and fungal organisms, and were traditionally used in southern China to treat "rice field dermatitis," a common fungal skin infection amongst paddyfield workers.

Leopard lilies are short-lived perennials, hardy in Zones 5-10, possibly to 4A. They prefer fertile, moist, sandy soil in sun or partial shade, and are naturalized in some eastern and southern states. In the wild they inhabit sandy coastal meadows in China, India, and other parts of eastern Asia. Plant them somewhere that doesn’t get too dry in summer or plants will be small and puny. Where happy, they will sow themselves. Otherwise, the berries are very easy to collect, and seed germinates easily in spring. Plants reach 1 to 2 feet tall, occasionally to 3 feet. In good conditions they form clumps, and then it is possible to divide them in spring. The attractive flowers are about 4 cm across, and the berries are the size of small peas. The fans of leaves are a good contrast to fussier foliage in the border. With their architectural potential and long period of interest – right through summer for the flowers, and for many weeks in the fall when fruiting – Iris domestica has a lot to offer and deserves to be more widely grown.

Members of the iris family, Iridaceae, contain some toxic compounds and should generally be regarded as poisonous plants. It is especially important to remember this when the berries are so attractive.

Thanks to Rhonda Haavisto, Membership Delegate for the Northeast District, for suggesting this unusual medicinal herb as a promising plant." – Deni Bown, Promising Plants Presentation, 2006

* This species was recently reclassified due to DNA analysis but is frequently listed in reference sources and nursery catalogs as Belamcanda chinensis.

Plant/Seed Sources: Companion Plants - Athens, OH; Select Seeds - Union, CT

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