About Iris tuberosa L.
Iris tuberosa L., formerly classified as Hermodactylus tuberosus, is a tuberous flowering plant species in the genus Iris. Its common names include snake's-head, snake's-head iris, widow iris, black iris, and velvet flower-de-luce.
This species is native to the Mediterranean region. It occurs in the northern Mediterranean littoral and western Europe, and has been recorded in Albania, France, Greece, and Italy.
For cultivation, it is grown from tubers planted in autumn. It grows best in full sun to partial shade, and needs well-drained soil. It can naturalize in grassy areas, and also grows well in rock gardens or containers. It is a common ornamental garden plant that flowers in early spring, and it is considered rather tender in the UK.
