Northern Africa and southern Europe
Iris foetidissima is a rhizomatous perennial 1.5 to 2' tall. Pale yellow to lilac flowers bloom in late spring or early summer on scapes 10-24" tall. Seed capsules mature over the summer and split open to reveal clusters of bright orange-red seeds which are extremely showy and persistent, often remaining in the open pods for months. Leaves are dark green, broad and linear, to 24" long and 1" wide, evergreen in areas with mild winters. Leaves exude an unpleasant odor when cut or bruised, hence the specific epithet and most common common name.