Iris pseudacorus

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Iris pseudacorus
Iris pseudacorus iris des marais.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Limniris
Section: Iris sect. Limniris
Series: Iris ser. Laevigatae
Species:
I. pseudacorus
Binomial name
Iris pseudacorus
L.
Synonyms
List of synonyms
  • Iris acoriformisBoreau
  • Iris acoroidesSpach
  • Iris bastardiiBoreau
  • Iris curtopetalaF. Delaroche
  • Iris curtopetalaF. Delaroche ex Redoute
  • Iris flavaTornab.
  • Iris luteaLam.
  • Iris pallidiorHill
  • Iris paludosaPers.
  • Iris pseudacorus var. acoriformis(Boreau) Nyman
  • Iris pseudacorus subsp. acoriformis(Boreau) K.Richt
  • Iris pseudacorus var. acoroides(Spach) Baker
  • Iris pseudacorus var. bastardii(Boreau) Nyman
  • Iris pseudacorus subsp. bastardii(Boreau) K.Richt.
  • Iris pseudacorus var. citrinaHook.
  • Iris pseudacorus f. longiacuminataProdán
  • Iris pseudacorus f. nyaradyanaProdán
  • Iris pseudacorus var. ochroleucaPeterm.
  • Iris pseudacorus f. submersaGlück
  • Iris sativaMill.
  • Limnirion pseudacorus(L.) Opiz
  • Limniris pseudacorus(L.) Fuss
  • Moraea candolleanaSpreng.
  • Pseudo-iris palustrisMedik.
  • Vieusseuxia iridioidesF.Delaroche
  • Xiphion acoroides(Spach) Alef.
  • Xiphion pseudacorus(L.) Schrank
  • Xyridion acoroideum(Spach) Klatt
  • Xyridion pseudacorus(L.) Klatt

Iris pseudacorus, the yellow flag, yellow iris, or water flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. Its specific epithet pseudacorus means "false acorus", referring to the similarity of its leaves to those of Acorus calamus (sweet flag), as they have a prominently veined mid-rib and sword-like shape. However, the two plants are not closely related.

Contents

Description

Flower bud Iris pseudacorus bud - Niitvalja.jpg
Flower bud
Seeds Iris pseudacorus MHNT.BOT.2004.0.115a.JPG
Seeds

This herbaceous flowering perennial plant grows to 100–150 cm (39–59 in), or a rare 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall, with erect leaves up to 90 cm (35 in) long and 3 cm (1.2 in) broad. The flowers are bright yellow, 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in) across, with the typical iris form. The fruit is a dry capsule 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in) long, containing numerous pale brown seeds.

I. pseudacorus grows best in very wet conditions, and is common in wetlands, where it tolerates submersion, low pH, and anoxic soils. The plant spreads quickly, by both rhizome and water-dispersed seed. It fills a similar niche to that of Typha and often grows with it, though usually in shallower water. While it is primarily an aquatic or marginal plant, the rhizomes can survive prolonged dry conditions.

Large I. pseudacorus stands in western Scotland form a very important feeding and breeding habitat for the endangered corncrake.

I. pseudacorus is one of two iris species native to the United Kingdom, the other being Iris foetidissima (stinking iris).

Both the petals and stem are toxic to animals and plants.[ citation needed ]

Nectar production

The plant was rated in second place for per day nectar production per flower in a UK plants survey conducted by the AgriLand project, which is supported by the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. However, when number of flowers per floral unit, flower abundance, and phenology were taken into account, it dropped out of the top 10 for most nectar per unit cover per year, as did all plants that placed in the top ten, with the exception of common comfrey, Symphytum officinale . [1]

Cultivation

It is widely planted in temperate regions as an ornamental plant, [2] with several cultivars selected for bog garden planting. The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: [3]

Other cultivars known include; Alba (with pale cream flowers) and Golden Fleece (with dark yellow flowers). [6]

It used to grow in the ditch of the fortified city of Mdina, on the island of Malta, where water was readily available, but after the renovation of the ditch it has since vanished from the area. [7]

Invasive species

In some regions (including the US and South Africa) [8] where it is not native, it has escaped from cultivation to establish itself as an invasive aquatic plant which can create dense, monotypic stands, outcompeting other plants in the ecosystem. Where it is invasive, it is tough to remove on a large scale. Even ploughing the rhizomes is often ineffective. It has been banned in some areas but is still widely sold in others for use in gardens. [9]

Iris pseudacorus is reported as invasive in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. [10]

US Spread
State/ProvinceFirst Observed
IL 2009
IN 1982
MI 1932
MN 2008
NY 1882
OH 2013
PA 1954
VT 1909
WI 2005

Relationship to fleur-de-lis

According to Pierre Augustin Boissier de Sauvages, an 18th-century French naturalist and lexicographer, the name fleur-de-lis applied to the heraldic symbol may be related to Iris pseudacorus rather than to a lily, based on the shape and yellow colour of the flower. [11]

Toxicity and uses

The plant's roots and leaves are poisonous. [12]

This plant has been used as a form of water treatment since it can take up macronutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) through its roots, [13] and is featured in many AS Level Biology practicals as its ability to grow in low pH levels makes it a useful indicator.[ citation needed ]

It can also withstand high salinity levels in the water. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Canna</i> (plant) Genus of flowering plants in the family Cannaceae

Canna or canna lily is the only genus of flowering plants in the family Cannaceae, consisting of 10 species. All of the genus's species are native to the American tropics and naturalized in Europe, India and Africa in the 1860s. Although they grow native to the tropics, most cultivars have been developed in temperate climates and are easy to grow in most countries of the world, as long as they receive at least 6–8 hours average sunlight during the summer, and are moved to a warm location for the winter. See the Canna cultivar gallery for photographs of Canna cultivars.

<i>Iris</i> (plant) Genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae

Iris is a flowering plant genus of 310 accepted species with showy flowers. As well as being the scientific name, iris is also widely used as a common name for all Iris species, as well as some belonging to other closely related genera. A common name for some species is flags, while the plants of the subgenus Scorpiris are widely known as junos, particularly in horticulture. It is a popular garden flower.

<i>Acorus calamus</i> Species of plant

Acorus calamus is a species of flowering plant with psychoactive chemicals. It is a tall wetland monocot of the family Acoraceae, in the genus Acorus. Although used in traditional medicine over centuries to treat digestive disorders and pain, there is no clinical evidence for its safety or efficacy – and ingested calamus may be toxic – leading to its commercial ban in the United States.

<i>Iris sibirica</i> Species of plant

Iris sibirica, commonly known as Siberian iris or Siberian flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from Europe and Central Asia. It has long green grass-like leaves, tall stem, 2–5 violet-blue, to blue, and occasionally white flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris pallida</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris pallida, the Dalmatian iris or sweet iris, is a hardy flowering perennial plant of the genus Iris, family Iridaceae. It is native to the Dalmatian coast (Croatia) but widely naturalised elsewhere. It is a member of the subgenus Iris, meaning that it is a bearded iris, and grows from a rhizome. It adapts well to different environments and is used in many different ways.

<i>Iris foetidissima</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae

Iris foetidissima, the stinking iris, gladdon, Gladwin iris, roast-beef plant, or stinking gladwin, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, found in open woodland, hedgebanks and on sea-cliffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese iris</span> Group of iris cultivars

The term "Japanese iris" encompasses three species of Irises cultivated in gardens or growing wild in Japan: hanashōbu, kakitsubata and ayame. Of these three species, I. ensata is the one most commonly referred to as "Japanese iris" outside Japan.

<i>Iris japonica</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris japonica, commonly known as fringed iris, shaga and butterfly flower, is a native of China and Japan. It is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and within the Lophiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, with pale blue, lavender or white flowers with an orange or yellow crest. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris ensata</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris ensata, the Japanese iris or Japanese water iris, formerly I. kaempferi, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Japan, China, Korea and Russia, and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. "Japanese iris" may also refer to I. sanguinea and I. laevigata, both native to Japan.

<i>Iris variegata</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris variegata, commonly known as the Hungarian iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial from eastern Europe. It has dark green, ribbed leaves. The branched flowering stems can be as tall as the leaves, they can hold 2–3 flowers in summer. They are yellowish-white, with brown-purple veins on the drooping falls. It is very hardy and it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. There are several cultivars.

<i>Iris danfordiae</i> Species of plant

Iris danfordiae, the dwarf iris or Danford iris, is a bulbous perennial plant in the genus Iris, it is classified in the subgenus Hermodactyloides and section Reticulatae. It is from Turkey in Asia. It has 2 gray-green or bluish green, thick leaves, short slender stem holding a scented flower, in shades of yellow. They are spotted olive-green or green and have a deep yellow or orange crest.

Iris albomarginata is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial, from the mountains in the former Russian states of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

<i>Iris fulva</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris fulva, also known as copper iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Hexagonae. It is a rhizomatous perennial, endemic to the southern and central United States. It has copper-red to deep red flowers and bright green leaves.

<i>Iris crocea</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris crocea is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, found in Kashmir. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is also commonly known as Golden Iris or Golden Flag. It was also known as Iris aurea for a long time, before that was regarded as a synonym of Iris crocea.

<i>Iris orientalis</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris orientalis is a species in the genus Iris; it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, from Turkey and Greece, with white flowers with a yellow mark or blotch. It was also known as Iris ochroleuca for a long time. It is commonly known as yellow banded iris in the U.S. and Turkish iris in the UK but also has some other less common names. It is very hardy and has been known to naturalize in various countries. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris humilis</i> Species of plant

Iris humilis is a plant species in the genus Iris. It is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Psammiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, with a wide distribution range from Europe to Russia to China, via Mongolia and Kazakhstan. It has sword-shaped leaves, a short stem and yellow flowers with an orange beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris attica</i> Species of plant

Iris attica, the Greek iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountains of the Balkans in Europe, within the countries of Greece, former Yugoslavia, Turkey and North Macedonia. It has sage green or grey-green leaves, that are sickle-shaped, a stout short stem and 2 variable flowers, in shades from yellow to purple. They have a white or blue beard. It is often called Iris pumila subsp attica, but is classified in most sources, as a separate species, although it is closely related to Iris pumila, as a possible parent plant. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris florentina</i> Variety of plant

The identity of the plant first described by Carl Linnaeus as Iris florentina remains unclear, as of December 2021. In horticulture, it has been treated as a white-flowered variant of Iris × germanica, under names such as Iris germanica nothovar. florentina, Iris × germanica var. florentina and Iris × germanica 'Florentina'. Iris florentina has also been treated as the correct name for the true species also known as Iris albicansLange.

<i>Iris sambucina</i> Species of plant

Iris sambucina, the elder scented iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from southern and central Europe. It has green, curved or sword-like leaves, tall round stem, multiple flowers in shades from brown violet, or brown-purple, to purple-violet, blue violet, mauve, and to purple. The large flowers are fragrant, with the scent of elderflowers, hence the name. It was first considered a separate species, then it was classified as a synonym of Iris germanica, before being classified as a separate species again, but with a hybrid origin from Iris pallida and Iris variegata. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris sari</i> Species of plant

Iris sari is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in section Oncocyclus. It is from the rocky steppes and hills of Turkey. It has curved or straight leaves, cream, greenish or yellowish flowers which are variable and veined with crimson, purple-brown, reddish brown, reddish-purple or black. It has a dark maroon, rich crimson or brown signal patch and gold or yellow beard.

References

  1. "Which flowers are the best source of nectar?". Conservation Grade. 2014-10-15. Archived from the original on 2019-12-14. Retrieved 2017-10-18.
  2. "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus" . Retrieved 24 June 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 53. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  4. "Roy Davidson". RHS. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  5. "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata'" . Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  6. 1 2 Spencer-Jones, Rae; Cuttle, Sarah (2005). Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. London: Kyle Cathie Limited. p. 88. ISBN   9781856265034.
  7. Schembri, Patrick J.; Baldacchino, Alfred E. (2011). Ilma, Blat u Hajja: Is-Sisien tal-Ambjent Naturali Malti (in Maltese). Malta University Press. p. 81. ISBN   978-99909-44-48-8.
  8. Mostert, Esther; Weaver, Kim (eds.). "Centre for Biological Control Annual Report 2019" (PDF). Centre for Biological Control, Rhodes University.
  9. McIntosh, Jamie (21 June 2021). "9 Top Types of Iris for the Flower Garden". The Spruce. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  10. Laboratory, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research. "NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species (NCRAIS)". nas.er.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  11. Pierre Augustin Boissier de Sauvages (1756). Languedocien Dictionnaire François (in French). pp. 153–154. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  12. Elias, Thomas S.; Dykeman, Peter A. (2009) [1982]. Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods. New York: Sterling. p. 261. ISBN   978-1-4027-6715-9. OCLC   244766414.
  13. Mohseni-Bandpei, A. (2010). "Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewater by subsurface wetlands planted with Iris pseudacorus". Ecological Engineering. 36 (6): 777–782. Bibcode:2010EcEng..36..777Y. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.02.002.
  14. Zhao, Huilin; Wang, Fen; Ji, Min (2015). "Brackish Eutrophic Water Treatment by Iris pseudacorus L.-Planted Microcosms: Physiological Responses of Iris pseudacorus L. to Salinity". International Journal of Phytoremediation. 17 (9): 814–821. Bibcode:2015IJPhy..17..814Z. doi:10.1080/15226514.2014.981240. PMID   25529785. S2CID   30542002.