Appearance
''Iris missouriensis'' is an erect herbaceous rhizomatous perennial, 20 to 40 cm high, with leafless unbranched scapes and linear basal leaves, 5 to 10 mm wide, similar in height to the scapes. The inflorescence usually consists of one or two flowers, exceptionally three or four. Each flower has three light to dark blue, spreading or reflexed sepals lined with purple and three smaller upright blue petals.
Uses
Some Plateau Indian tribes used the roots to treat toothache.The Navajo used a decoction of this plant as an emetic. The Zuni apply a poultice of chewed root to increase strength of newborns and infants.
This iris is listed as a weed in some areas, particularly in agricultural California. It is bitter and distasteful to livestock and heavy growths of the plant are a nuisance in pasture land. Heavy grazing in an area promotes the growth of this hardy iris.
The plant is widely cultivated in temperate regions
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