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The Iridaceae have a worldwide distribution, and many members are prized garden ornamentals (e.g., Crocus, Tigridia, Freesia, Iris, Sisyrinchium, Gladiolus, Crocosmia). In addition, Crocus sativus stamens are the source of the spice saffron.

The Iridaceae are easily recognized vegetatively because the leaves of the Iridaceae are equitant (oriented edgewise to the stem). The flowers of most Iridaceae are structurally simple and are similar to those of the Liliaceae except that there are only 3 stamens and an inferior ovary. However, the flowers of Iris are highly modified with the three distinct petaloid styles bending over to pair with the three reflexed sepals.