Iris orientalis, commonly known as Yellow Banded Iris, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to the rocky hillsides and open woodlands of Turkey and Greece. It typically grows up to 35 inches tall, forming large clumps with long, dark green, sword-like leaves. The plant is known for its striking white flowers, which feature a distinctive yellow blotch, and blooms from May to July. The flowers are quite showy and can add a dramatic flair to garden settings.

Yellow Banded Iris is valued for its hardiness and ability to naturalize, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in temperate regions. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it is easy to maintain once established, care should be taken as Iris orientalis can be potentially invasive outside its native range. In cultivation, it is often used in water gardens, as a border plant, or in mass plantings for a bold visual impact. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0