[2] It has slender, upright leaves, that are occasionally twisted,[4][5][2] and ending as point (or lanceolate – sword-shaped).

The large, obovate (shaped like an egg), drooping 'falls' are 5–5.5 cm long, have a red/brown flush or spots on the hafts.

[7][6][11][12] In 1992, Dr. James Waddick (from University of Kansas City, Missouri and Prof. Yu-tang Zhao), collected more seed and plants from the wild in China.

[7] It was found that Iris typhifolia blooms weeks earlier than the other members in the sibirica group.

[13] It is found in north east China,[2] (also known as Manchuria), in the provinces of west Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol) (also known as Inner Mongolia).

[7][4] Iris typhifolia should be grown in moist, slightly acidic soil (the pH level should be less than 7.8) with plenty of organic matter.

[2][8][14] It is tolerant of sandy or clay soils, as long as plenty of organic matter is added before planting.

[14] It prefers positions in full sun but can tolerate part shade (with some hours of sunlight).

The iris needs moisture during the growing season (in spring and early summer) to create best blooms.

[7] The divisions must be not be allowed to dry out and can be temporarily stored in bucket of water, while the new planting position is prepared.

Then break open to collect seeds and the direct sow outdoors in fall or autumn.

Once germinated they should be brought indoors to avoid temperature shock and then transplant outside, when the plant has 4 leaves.

[8] A 2 cm (an inch) thick mulch of compost or well rotted manure, with a fertiliser to encourage blooming, can be applied in spring.

[12] It can tolerate temperatures as low as −30 °F,[5] because it flowers early in spring, northern climate positions are preferred.

[19] Iris typhifolia has been very useful to plant breeders and hybridisers, due to its hardiness, foliage, flower markings.

[5][11] Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting.