I RIS SAMBU'CINA. 
ELDER-SCENTED IRIS. 
Class. Order. 
TRIANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. 
Natural Orde n* 
IRIDEiE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Cultivated 
S. Europe. 
2 feet. 
June. 
Perennial. 
in 1658. 
No. 471. 
Iris, the Greek name of the rainbow. Sambu- 
cina, from sambucus, the systematic name of the el- 
der given in reference to the scent of this species. 
Few only, amongst the numerous species of Iris, 
are distinguished for their odor; this however, is 
scented, and not unpleasantly, though its aroma is 
altogether inferior to that of the Persian Iris — a 
little early-flowering beauty, which we must not 
omit, at some early opportunity, to introduce to our 
readers. The Iris Sambucina is of the tuberous 
rooted division of Irises, of the medicinal virtues of 
which the old botanists were very profuse in their 
praise; but regarding the bulbous species little oc- 
curs, probably from their being comparatively few 
in number. Amongst other prescriptions, the green 
roots are recommended to be infused in rose-water, 
to make a cosmetic; mainly good against all sorts of 
scars, marks, freckles, and sun -burned complexions. 
Gilbert, who was an inveterate versifier, says, 
“ Irises, like rainbow, several colours show, 
With ease persuaded to increase and grow.” 
We may adopt his opinion in the culture of this 
interesting species of Iris. It increases freely. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 119. 
