Rhizomatous plant 10-15 cm. Leaves glaucous green, broadly linear, 10-15 cm x 1.0-2.0 cm. Flowers solitary, 5-7 cm diam, of various colours (yellow to lilac). V - mid-spring to late autumn (leaves can overwinter). Fl - late spring-early summer, in St. Petersburg May- June. Fr - August. P - by seed and division. Requires a sunny place, however can grow in a shady position. Cultivated since the XVI century and was used for selection of dwarf bearded irises. Z 5 (4).

European parts of the FSU (southern regions), Caucasus (eastern regions), central and southern Europe. Stony slopes, steppes, on gravelly soil, solonchaks.