Plant · GBIF taxon 5298231
Yellow Iris
Iris pseudacorusAlso known as Yellow Flag, Yellow Flag Iris, Water Flag
Yellow Iris is a robust wetland perennial with tall sword-shaped leaves and large yellow flowers marked by brown or purple veins on the falls. Thick rhizomes form dense colonies that can displace native marsh vegetation where the plant has been introduced.
Wetland IrisRhizomatous PlantInvasive Emergent
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Produces energy through photosynthesis and stores nutrients in thick spreading rhizomes rooted in saturated soil
Predators
- Iris sawflies
- Slugs
- Muskrats
ThreatsWetland drainage in its native range and targeted removal where invasive, along with drought and shoreline development
HabitatsMarshes, pond margins, riverbanks, ditches, wet woods, shallow water, and disturbed wetlands
Life spanA long-lived perennial whose connected rhizome colonies can persist for decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyIridaceae
- SpeciesIris pseudacorus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Sap and rhizomes can irritate skin and cause poisoning if swallowed; never handle or ingest wild material.
- Why it is dangerous
- Iris glycosides and irritating resins occur throughout the plant, especially in rhizomes, and can injure skin or the digestive tract.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Combine large yellow iris flowers, dark-veined falls, swordlike leaves, and thick wetland rhizomes for identification.
- What to do
- Do not pull it barehanded or taste any part; keep cut material from children, pets, and livestock.
Responsible observation
- Flowers: Look for bright yellow falls marked by darker veins.
- Leaves: Note the raised midrib on broad sword-shaped leaves.
- Control: Report invasive stands locally and leave removal to trained crews wearing protection.
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