Iris pseudacorus
Iris pseudacorus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Iridaceae |
Genus: | Iris |
Subgenus: | Iris subg. Limniris |
Section: | Iris sect. Limniris |
Series: | Iris ser. Laevigatae |
Species: | I. pseudacorus
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Binomial name | |
Iris pseudacorus | |
Synonyms | |
List of synonyms
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Iris pseudacorus, the yellow flag, yellow iris, or water flag, is a
Description
This
I. pseudacorus grows best in very wet conditions, and is common in wetlands, where it tolerates submersion, low pH, and anoxic soils. The plant spreads quickly, by both rhizome and water-dispersed seed. It fills a similar niche to that of Typha and often grows with it, though usually in shallower water. While it is primarily an aquatic or marginal plant, the rhizomes can survive prolonged dry conditions.
Large I. pseudacorus stands in western Scotland form a very important feeding and breeding habitat for the endangered
I. pseudacorus is one of two iris species native to the United Kingdom, the other being Iris foetidissima (stinking iris).
Both the petals and stem are toxic to animals and plants.[citation needed]
Nectar production
The plant was rated in second place for per day nectar production per flower in a
Cultivation
It is widely planted in
Other cultivars known include; Alba (with pale cream flowers) and Golden Fleece (with dark yellow flowers).[7]
It used to grow in the ditch of the fortified city of Mdina, on the island of Malta, where water was readily available, but after the renovation of the ditch it has since vanished from the area.[8]
Invasive species
In some regions (including the US and South Africa)[9] where it is not native, it has escaped from cultivation to establish itself as an invasive aquatic plant which can create dense, monotypic stands, outcompeting other plants in the ecosystem. Where it is invasive, it is tough to remove on a large scale. Even ploughing the rhizomes is often ineffective. It has been banned in some areas but is still widely sold in others for use in gardens.[10]
Iris pseudacorus is reported as invasive in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.[11]
State/Province | First Observed |
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IL | 2009 |
IN | 1982 |
MI | 1932 |
MN | 2008 |
NY | 1882 |
OH | 2013 |
PA | 1954 |
VT | 1909 |
WI | 2005 |
Toxicity and uses
The plant's roots and leaves are poisonous.[12]
This plant has been used as a form of water treatment since it can take up macronutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) through its roots,[13] and is featured in many AS Level Biology practicals as its ability to grow in low pH levels makes it a useful indicator.[citation needed]
It can also withstand high salinity levels in the water.[14]
Gallery
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Closeup
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Iris pseudacorus
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Flower
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Iris pseudacorus
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Fruit
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Whole plants
See also
- Flag of the Brussels-Capital Region
- Fleur-de-lis
- Iris sawfly
References
- ^ "Iris pseudacorus L. is an accepted name". theplantlist.org (The Plant List). 23 March 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- ^ "Which flowers are the best source of nectar?". Conservation Grade. 2014-10-15. Archived from the original on 2019-12-14. Retrieved 2017-10-18.
- ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus". Retrieved 24 June 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 53. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ "Roy Davidson". RHS. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata'". Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ ISBN 9781856265034.
- ISBN 978-99909-44-48-8.
- Centre for Biological Control, Rhodes University.
- ^ McIntosh, Jamie (21 June 2021). "9 Top Types of Iris for the Flower Garden". The Spruce. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ Laboratory, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research. "NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species (NCRAIS)". nas.er.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
- OCLC 244766414.
- .
- S2CID 30542002.