It is similar in form to Iris histrio, but with flowers a deeper shade of blue,[2] and shorter stem.

[4] It has leaves that grow up to 40–50 cm (16–20 in) high,[3][5] and are squarish in cross section, thicker than in other Reticulatas.

[4] As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.

[11] In 1892, in the 'Journal of Horticulture' Vol.III Issue 24 on page 121, Samuel Arnott republished it as Iris histrioides.

[7] It commonly grows on the mountain slopes,[14][3] within pine forests,[3] at an altitude of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level.

[3] But be planted in well-drained soils, to protect from summer rains, which will rot the bulb.

Also it has the habit of the main bulb splitting into many bulblets, that can take many years to reach flowering size.

Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting.