Hermodactylus tuberosus (or Iris tuberosa) is a must-have for any iris connoisseur! This snake’s head iris has subtle, unassuming looks from afar but when you take a look close up, you’ll be bowled over in fascination at the flower form and detail, not to mention the striking black and green segments. The black falls of the iris are perhaps the part that’s similar to a snake’s head, with a slinky sheen to it a small indent at the base of the petal, while the upper part of the flower is a rather reptilian green.

These wonderful flowers emerge in late winter and last until mid-spring, so they’re very handy for providing a bit of unusual early-season interest. Hermodactylus tuberosus / Iris tuberosa are hardy, too, so you can look forward to a repeat show every year. 

Even if you’re not keen on snakes, this intriguing plant is a welcome site even for the biggest ophidiophobe!