Rhizome fleshy. Leaves flat, 7-15 mm wide, erect, to 15 cm long, grey-green, dying in winter. Stem 2-10 cm tall. Spathes green, rounded on backs. Flowers 5-6 cm wide, yellow, blue white or purple; early spring. Perianth tube 4-9 cm long; falls bearded in blue or yellow.

SE Europe to Urals and Turkey.

Source: Cooke, D. (2005). Iridaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.