photo: Cleveland Metroparks
Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
Form:
Herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3-4’ in height.
Leaves:
The broad, sword-shaped leaves are stiff, erect and glaucous. They measure between 1.6-3.3’ long and 0.4-1.2” wide.
Flowers:
The showy flowers of Iris pseudacorus bloom from April to June. Most often they are yellow, but their color can also range from nearly white to cream. The flowers are 2.75-3.5” wide. They are borne on erect peduncles and there are several flowers on each stem. There are six perianth segments that are clawed. Three of these are upward-pointing petals and three are downward spreading sepals. These sepals often have purple, brown or red veins on their yellow surface.
Fruits & Seeds:
The fruits are 1.6-2.7” long capsules. These capsules are 6-angled and cylindric-prismatic to ellipsoid in shape. The average capsule contains around 120 seeds that start out white, then harden and turn brown as the season goes on.
Roots:
The rhizomes are pink-fleshed and 0.4-1.6” in diameter.
Tier 3 - Presence is of Interest
The species that occur in this tier are likely ornamental escapes. It is not known whether they are established and/or spreading within Cleveland Metroparks. The ecological impact is poorly known for these species.
Action: The presence of these plants should be recorded by approximating the number of plants. Initial population numbers are likely small.
Similar Species:
Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor) native
