[7] Iris versicolor is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant, growing 10–80 cm (4–31 in) high.

The species has been implicated in several poisoning cases of humans and animals who consumed the rhizomes, which have been found to contain a glycoside, iridin.

[8] The iris has been used as magical plant, with people carrying the root (or rhizome) to get 'financial gain', or placed in cash registers to increase business.

[10] The blue flag has been the provincial flower of Quebec since 1999, having replaced the Madonna lily which is not native to the province.

[11][12] The purple iris is the official flower of Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity.