Iris pseudacorus

From ArticleWorld

The Iris pseudacorus is more commonly known as the Yellow Flag Iris, Bastard fluer de lys or the Yellow Iris. It has been planted as an ornamental in many regions worldwide because of its beauty. However, it has also become an invasive aquatic plant in many regions where it has managed escape into the wild.

Habitat

The Yellow Flag Iris can be found in many regions of Asia, Europe and the Americas where the climate is temperate. It prefers very wet soil and is often found in salt marshes and wetlands. This is a very hardy plant and it is able to withstand high salinity, low ph and even submersion. It proliferates through water dispersed seeding as well as rhizome and can easily choke out native plants of the ecosystem. This plant has the ability to draw up heavy metals through its roots and has been used as a type of water treatment in some areas.

Appearance

This iris has a slender floral tube that is funnel shaped at the top and is medium length. It has a broad, short spathe that is closed around the ovary. The leaves are slender also, and they bear a great resemblance to grass reeds, they have a dark green color that is quiet glossy. The average size of the plant covers approximately one square foot of ground space and has multiple blooms on a single plant. The flower color is normally bright yellow with no variegation. It is sometimes called the Yellow Iris because of its colors. Elimination of this plant is extremely difficult, on a large scale, as the rhizomes must be plowed up.