User:Smiley.Rileigh/Iris pallida

Cultivation
Iris Pallida are valued in the Chianti region of Italy and cultivated specifically due to their fragrance and medicinal properties. It is cultivated as a garden plant, and commercially for extraction of essential oils from its rhizome (orris root) which was used for medicinal purposes for a very long time. However, today orris oil is commonly used to add flavor to foods.

'''The species successful cultivation is partly due to its ability to adapt well to different environments, whether that be different climates and weather conditions or soils that are not necessarily rich in nutrients. The growth cycle may differ for the Iris pallida based on surrounding temperatures. This includes the flowering of the plant as well. Observations of differing flowering time based on changes in temperature have been noted. Compared with other Iris species, the Iris pallida flowers lasted the longest, however, they took much longer to develop, especially in colder climates.'''

The variegated cultivar 'Variegata' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Uses
'''For hundreds of years, the Iris pallida species was used for its medicinal qualities. It is commonly used today to flavor foods and drinks as well as for perfumes or air fresheners which dates back to the 15th century when it was common to use orris dates to leave fresh scents on linens. The plants rhizomes can also be used to make beads for children's teething necklaces as well as rosary beads. '''