Iris orientalis

It has short, branching, stout, woody rhizomes. They can be up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Underneath, they have fleshy roots. Over a long period, they can form large clumps of plants. It has basal leaves, that are erect, between deep green and dark green, stiff and (lanceolate) sword-like. They can grow up to 60–90 cm (24–35 in) long and 1–2 cm wide. The leaves are not usually as long as the flowering stems. The flower stalk begins to grow in April and then reaches maturity in May. The solid, slightly flattened stems, about 1 cm wide, can generally grow up to between 40–90 cm (16–35 in) long. Although, larger forms are known to be much bigger, growing up to between 90–170 cm (35–67 in) long. It has normally one or more short branches. The stems have two or three spathes (leaves of the flower bud), which are papery (in form) and 9–12 cm (4–5 in) long. The stems (and branches) hold two to five terminal (top of stem) flowers, which open in succession, blooming in late spring, or summer, between May and July. The large flowers are 8–10 cm (3–4 in) in diameter, and are white or near white. It has two pairs of petals, three large sepals (outer petals), known as the 'falls' and three inner, smaller petals (or tepals, known as the 'standards'. The falls are spreading, arching downwards, with a large egg-yolk yellow central area. …

It is found in Turkey, and within south-eastern Europe, in Greece, and Aegean Islands, (Lesbos and Samos). It is found in Greece near Alexandropoulos and within Turkey, east to Kayseri. It was once found by Pierre Edmond Boissier in the marshes to the west of Smyrna, in Greece. One reference mentions Syria, but this may mean a cultivated region not native. It has been naturalized in California, Connecticut, Missouri (in the US), along roadsides, and in old farms in Southern Italy, and in Yugoslavia. It has also naturalized in the UK, found on the edges of woodlands and in grasslands of the New Forest and around Abbotsbury in Dorset. The rivers of the Balkans are known for a diverse range of plants including Iris orientalis in Evros River delta.

It has been listed with Iris paradoxa and Iris spuria subsp. musulmanica as a suitable halophyte crop.

Iris orientalis is widely grown in gardens and parks. It is hardy to between USDA Zone 4a and 9b. Between (−34.4 °C (−30 °F) to −3.8 °C (25 °F)). It is also hardy to WHZ 4–9, and within Europe H2. The leaves often survive the winter. Due to this hardiness it is assumed fairly easy to grow. Although it prefers saline soils, it is tolerant of many garden soils. It prefers positions in full sun or partial shade. Sometimes slugs can be a pest, and can nibble on the young shoots. It can take several years to start flowering again after being moved, but once settled, it can develop into a large round clump. It also could be grown within an orchard and is also good for use within a cutting garden. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.