Don't let looks deceive you

The Yellow Iris, also known as Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus) is an emergent, perennial aquatic plant; common in southern Ontario and parts of southern Canada. I honestly didn't know this plant was an invasive species so I was surprised to see in my invasive species field guide.


Amzaing picture of Yellow Iris (I. pseudacorus).

When researching this particular invasive I found that its first recorded occurrence in Canada was in Newfoundland in 1911 and by 1940 had found its way to Ontario. It's native range is listed as Eurasia, but other sources have suggested British Isles., North Africa and Mediterranean regions.



Yellow iris in an ornamental garden.



It's suggested that Yellow Iris found it's way into Canada via ornamental water gardens. You can buy this species online to plant in your ornamental pond for some added flare. The flower is very attractive (as flowers go), so it makes sense that people would want to buy this species to spice up their otherwise boring water gardens.

Unfortunately, it spreads easily. If planted near shorelines, the Yellow Iris will quickly begin to inhabit surrounding areas. It can escape into new areas as plant material is discarded (intentionally or unintentionally) into waterway and/or carried off by flooding during heavy rain events. It can also spread through water bodies via rhizome fragments and possibly fruit or seed that are transported with recreational water vehicles or their associated trailers.

Yellow iris can for tall, dense stands in the water column. This can displace other aquatic organisms, impede water flow, boating traffic, swimming, fishing, and hinder many other recreational activities. It has also been known to clog irrigation pump filters.

So next time you see one of these gorgeous flowers, don't be fooled. It could someday ruin your favourite fishing hole!