Seek medical attention if ingestion results in symptoms.
Description
A hardy perennial native herb 0.5 to 1.5m tall, cultivated as a garden ornamental for its attractive foliage and striking blue/purple berries.
Flower can range in colour from pale blue through to deep blue/purple, are roughly 1 to 2cm wide with 6 petals with 6 exserted yellow to brown stamens. The flower spike arises from the plant base with flowers in terminal clusters on a branched central stalk.
The stiff leaves are strap-like, long and narrow sometimes with a waxy bloom on the under surface.
Toxicity
Symptoms
Berries are regarded as poisonous although evidence is limited to a few circumstantial cases; no clear exposure and effect has been seen. Reported symptoms include difficulty breathing, hiccups and dizziness.
Images
Details
Common name: Blue flax lily
Botanical name: Dianella spp. (includes D. ensifolia, D. brevipedunculata, D. caerulea, D. revoluta,)
Other common names: Flax lily, Blueberry lily
Family: Hemerocallidaceae
General description: A hardy perennial native herb 0.5 to 1.5m tall, cultivated as a garden ornamental for its attractive foliage and striking blue/purple berries.
Flowers: Flower can range in colour from pale blue through to deep blue/purple, are roughly 1 to 2cm wide with 6 petals with 6 exserted yellow to brown stamens. The flower spike arises from the plant base with flowers in terminal clusters on a branched central stalk.
Leaves: The stiff leaves are strap-like, long and narrow sometimes with a waxy bloom on the under surface.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit are succulent round blue/purple berries 4 to 10mm in diameter containing biconvex, shiny black seeds.
Last updated: July 2023