Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima), also known as Gladdon or Roast-beef Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant species native to the United Kingdom, belonging to the Iridaceae family. It is commonly found in various habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and shady areas, particularly in southern England and Wales.

Stinking Iris thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soils, often favouring partially shaded or dappled sunlight habitats. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a common sight in both natural and human-altered landscapes.

Predators of Stinking Iris include herbivores such as deer and rabbits, which may feed on its foliage. However, its toxic and bitter-tasting leaves often deter extensive browsing.

As a perennial plant, Stinking Iris can live for several years, forming clumps of sword-shaped leaves and producing clusters of showy purple-blue flowers in late spring to early summer. It reproduces via seeds and can also spread slowly via rhizomes.

Culturally, Stinking Iris does not hold significant symbolic or traditional references in the UK. However, it is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly in shaded gardens and woodland settings.

An interesting fact about Stinking Iris is its distinctive orange seeds, which are enclosed in bright orange seed capsules. These capsules are often visible even after the flowers have faded, adding visual interest to the plant in late summer and autumn. Despite its name, Stinking Iris is not known for having a particularly unpleasant odour.