Yellow Iris
This plant forms large, clonal populations that displace native species and offer nutrient-poor forage for wildlife.
Common Name: Yellow iris
Scientific Name: Iris pseudacorus
Native Range: Europe, Asia, Africa
Background
Yellow iris is an herbaceous perennial that can grow between 3-4 feet. The broad, lance-shaped leaves are stiff and erect. The yellow, showy flowers bloom from April to June.
Habitat
Yellow iris is found along the edges of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. It grows well in freshwater wetlands and can tolerate high acidity.
NYS Distribution Map
NOTE: If you receive a “sign in” message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Water chestnut submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Identification
Yellow iris has yellow, three-petaled flowers that bloom in June and long, swordlike leaves that stand approximately 4 feet tall. The plant’s rhizome interior is orange.
Impact
This plant forms large, clonal populations that displace native species and offer nutrient-poor forage for wildlife.
Prevention and Control
Caution should be used when hand-pulling this plant, as it can cause skin irritation. Digging up the root ball of individual plants can be effective. Cutting and injecting systemic herbicide into each flowering stalk can also be very effective. Native blue flag iris is a good landscaping alternative to this ornamental, wetland invader.
Native Lookalikes
When not in flower, yellow iris closely resembles the native blue flag iris.
