Yellow Flag Iris

Yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus L. Iridaceae
Key identifying traits Leaves are flat, erect, stiff, sword shaped, 1/2 to 1 inch wide, usually fanning out from base Showy, yellow flowers with 3 large downward facing sepals and 3 smaller upward pointing petals A few flowers can arise from each flower stalk Fruit capsules resemble hanging bunches of short green bananas when mature Biology and ecology A perennial forb of shorelines and wetlands reproducing by seeds and rhizomes Can form very dense patches, excluding natives Has been used medicinally and as a source of dye Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region Introduced as an ornamental water plant Will sicken livestock if ingested- contact with resins can cause human skin irritation Control Prevention – Learn to identify plants; know your water bodies; don’t transplant these pretty plants to your home pond or waterfront shorelines; research nursery and catalogue specimens before buying Biological – None known or likely at this time due to it’s similarity to garden iris Cultural – Healthy native plant communities help reduce likelihood of establishment but don’t stop it Mechanical – Pulling and digging can work if all plant material is removed-avoid skin contact with resins Chemical – Glyphosate is effective particularly on regrowth following cutting. Use of a dripless wick applicator has been recommended to avoid killing other plants or introducing herbicide into the water. Aquatic applicator license may be required. More information may be found at the Department of Ecology site	pretty yellow flower

	leaf blade
	infestation at Loon Lake
*Where found –* Common along the shores of Long Lake, some at Loon Lake and could be along the shores of other water bodies in Stevens County MSdoc pdf