Iris pseudacorus (Pale-yellow Iris)

Plant Info

Also known as:	Yellow Flag
Genus:	Iris
Family:	Iridaceae (Iris)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	Eurasia
Status:	Early Detection weed, Ramsey County
Habitat:	sun to part shade; marshes, along shores
Bloom season:	late spring, early summer
Plant height:	2 to 4 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flower is 3 to 4 inches across with 3 large petal-like sepals that hang down and 3 smaller upright petals. The lower sepals have a ring of reddish brown flecks near the base. There are a few flowers at the end of each stalk.

Leaves:

Leaves are long and sword-like, about 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 feet long with a pointed tip. A group of leaves fans out from the base of the plant. The leaves are longer than the flower stalk.

Notes:

Pale-yellow Iris is an invasive species in Minnesota. It can form large colonies and choke out native plants. It is the only yellow Iris in the U.S.

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN June 2007

Comments

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