In the hands of two medical doctors and a noted ethnobotanist the new edition of the A.M.A. Handbook is a welcomed improvement on the original. It is still not without error. I question the need to include plants that should only concern a farmer and a large- animal veterinary surgeon.
When a caring mother sees Tall Bearded Iris included as a poisonous plant but does not read the text thoroughly and critically, she might think it necessary to get rid of her garden plants for the safety of her child.
Tall Bearded Iris, Iris germanica are very hardy, easily cared for, long-lived perennials that deserve a spot in any sunny garden. It would be a shame if you couldn't do so on doctor's orders.
. The other Iris that they cite is the Yellow Flag, Iris pseudacorus which is usually container- grown as a water plant. It is European but is now well established in our wetlands.
Sweet Flag is Acorus calamus and not an Iris; as far as I can see it has a spotless record and no outstanding warrants. One very old Cree claimed to know something about Sweet Flag but he would not say what it was.
When you read the text that surrounds a photograph of Iris germanica , you are told that the roots and leaves are toxic although the toxin is not known. Often accused as causing stomach irritation yet human cases have never been reported .
A competent Crown Prosecuter would never let this case go to trial.
Nothing further is said regarding the Yellow Flag, perhaps it could be a problem for farmers. It is not clear.
Blue Flag Iris, Iris versicolor which may be the stylized floral heraldic on the Quebec flag, (speaking of flags) is not mentioned in the Handbook. It does get a mention occassionally by other writers, as causing harm to calves or year- olds. Well, I have only heard of one case but that would be more than enough for Sick Kids' et al. They condemn all Iris.
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Yellow Flag Blue Flag
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