Help Report Iris

Have you seen a beautiful yellow iris on a local lake or river? If so, the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) would like to know!

Yellow flag iris, like some other non-native invasive species, is introduced as a beautiful garden ornamental that can “jump the garden fence” and infest native habitats. This iris is used to beautiful ponds and other wet areas, and is showing up in lakes, rivers and other wetland areas.

“Because invasive non-native species like yellow flag iris arrive in Canada without natural predators to keep them under control, they can quickly spread” explains Juliet Craig, Coordinator of the CKIPC, “Once yellow flag iris is introduced, it forms dense thickets and changes the natural habitat affecting birds, frogs, native plants, and other wetland species.”

Yellow flag iris has been reported in Nancy Greene Lake, Meldeanna Pond, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, and other remote areas where gardens are not nearby.

“We’re not sure how this iris is getting introduced into our local wetlands” explains Juliet Craig, Coordinator of the CKIPC, “but it is a great concern. We are trying to identify the full distribution of this species so we have a better idea of how to manage for it. Once it is established, it is very difficult to remove.”

The public can help by reporting sightings of yellow flag iris. Since it is the only yellow iris that grows in water, it is easy to identify.

“Basically, if you see a yellow iris growing in water, that’s the plant. It is the same species that is being sold as a garden ornamental. We are interested in mapping all locations including both natural habitats and gardens. We are also very happy to report that all of the nurseries we have spoken to this year will no longer order yellow flag iris for next year’s stock.”

If you see any patches of yellow flag iris, particularly in native habitats (but also garden ponds), please call the CKIPC at (250) 351-1160 or email invasiveplants@uniserve.com.

Added on May 28th, 2007 - Return to Special Features