Iris illyrica

Taxobox
name = "Iris illyrica"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Iridaceae
genus = Iris
species = "I. illyrica"
binomial = "Iris illyrica"
binomial_authority = Tomm.| date = 1875

Iris illyrica is a perennial plant from the iris family (Iridaceae), that grows up to 40 cm in height. According to the IOPI (International Organization for Plant Information) the status of this plant is still unresolved.

Its flowering period is May and June. Its best planting position is in full sun. The soil requirements are dry or average moist, fertile well drained soil. It is suitable in border and rock gardens. This plant produces seeds rarely. It produces usually ten seeds that ripen out in autumn.

This plant was used by the ancient Illyrians as a medicinal and had close relations with their religion.

This iris species is native to Dalmatia, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and parts of Serbia and Macedonia where it can be found growing wild. In the Albanian language this plant is called "luleshpata", which means sword flower. Its importance as an Illyrian medicinal plant fell when the Slavic barbarian folk invaded from the east in Illyria.

It was often planted on Serbian graves in Kosovo.