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Leopard Lily

Iris domestica (syn. Belamcanda chinensis)

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameLeopard Lily

DescriptionStriking perennial featuring exotic, star-shaped flowers in brilliant orange-red heavily spotted with dark maroon or purple dots, resembling a leopard's coat. After flowering, produces distinctive clusters of shiny black seeds resembling blackberries, giving rise to the alternate name. Iris-like, fan-shaped foliage adds architectural interest. Native to Asia but naturalized in many regions, valued for unique spotted blooms, ornamental seed pods, and easy-care nature in cottage and wildflower gardens.

FamilyIridaceae

GenusIris

TribeIrideae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (perianth not differentiated into sepals and petals), 3 free stamens, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary, characteristic of Iridaceae

Features

Name 'Leopard Lily' from leopard-spotted flowers. 'Blackberry Lily' from clusters of shiny black seeds resembling blackberries that persist into winter. Recently reclassified from Belamcanda to Iris genus. 'Belamcanda' from Hindi name. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years
Flowers 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) across, star-shaped with 6 spreading tepals (3 petals, 3 sepals). Bright orange to red-orange heavily spotted with maroon, purple, or dark red dots. Blooms open in succession along branched stems, each lasting one day. Flowers July-August. Seed capsules split to reveal shiny black seeds in blackberry-like clusters
Herbaceous perennial growing from rhizomes. Iris-like, sword-shaped leaves arranged in flat fans. Dies back in winter. After flowering, decorative seed pods develop, splitting open to display glossy black seeds that persist for months. Self-seeds readily, can naturalize
Grows 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall with 1-2 foot (30-60 cm) spread. Lifespan of 3-5 years for individual plants, but self-seeds to perpetuate. Propagated from seed (blooms in 2-3 years), division of rhizomes in spring or fall, or by separating seedlings
Native to China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. Found in meadows, forest edges, and disturbed areas. Introduced to Europe and North America in 1800s. Now naturalized in parts of eastern and central United States, sometimes considered invasive in certain regions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade (6+ hours sun for best flowering). Adapts to various well-drained soils. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Heat tolerant. Prefers consistent moisture during growing season. Hardy zones 5-10. Low maintenance, rarely needs division
Excellent for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and mixed borders. Seed pods prized for dried arrangements, lasting months. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Rhizomes used in traditional Chinese medicine for throat inflammation (caution: seeds toxic). Self-seeds freely, can spread aggressively in favorable conditions

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificIris domestica (syn. Belamcanda chinensis)

English (Alternate)Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda, Leopard Flower, Panther Lily, Chinese Blackberry Lily, Candy Lily

Hindiलेपर्ड लिली (Leopard Lily), ब्लैकबेरी लिली (Blackberry Lily), बेलमकांडा (Belamkanda), लेपर्ड फ्लावर (Leopard Flower)

Tamilகார்த்திகைப் பூ (Kaarthigaip poo), சிறுத்தை லில்லி (Siruthai Lily), கரும்புலி (Karumpuli)

Teluguపులి చామంతి (Puli Chamanti), నల్ల బెర్రీ లిల్లీ (Nalla Berry Lily), చిరుత పువ్వు (Chiruta Puvvu)

Malayalamപുലിപ്പൂവ് (Pulipuv), ബ്ലാക്ക്ബെറി ലില്ലി (Blackberry Lily), പുള്ളിപ്പൂവ് (Pullippuv)

Kannadaಚಿರತೆ ಹೂವು (Chirate Hoovu), ಕೆಂಪು ಸವಿಗೆ (Kempu Savige), ಚುಕ್ಕೆ ಹೂವು (Chukke Hoovu)

Sanskritचित्रपुष्पम् (Chitrapushpam), व्याघ्रपुष्प (Vyaghrapushpa)

Bengaliচিতা লিলি (Chita Lily), ব্ল্যাকবেরি লিলি (Blackberry Lily), দশবাহ (Doshobaho)

FrenchIris tigré, Fleur léopard, Lis léopard

RussianИрис домашний (Iris domashniy), Леопардовая лилия (Leopardovaya liliya), Ежевичная лилия (Yezhenichnaya liliya)

SpanishLirio leopardo, Lirio mora, Belamcanda

GermanLeopardenblume, Brombeer-Lilie, Tigerlilie

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.