Yellow iris is a large plant with impressive flowers. It can reach over a meter in height. The leaves of Yellow iris are sword-shaped and its big, bright yellow flowers open in June-July. After blooming the plant grows a peculiar capsule fruit.

Yellow iris is a species of moist habitats. It flourishes in nutrient-rich, moist wetlands like in the shallow waters of clayey or muddy shores and in Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) mires. The species is common in Europe and North Africa.

Yellow iris is a poisonous plant as it contains iridin glycoside, a glycoside that affects many vital functions. Due to its fancy appearance it is a popular garden plant and there are many cultivars bred from the species. Yellow iris has a thick rhizome and its roots have been used as medicine for toothache and wound care. The rhizome also contains tannic acids and therefore it was used for tanning hides.

Yellow iris has benefited from the human induced nutrient releases. As a common species it requires no conservation measures to secure its occurrence.