Iris pseudacorus

Iris pseudacorus
Yellow iris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Subfamily: Iridoideae
Tribe: Irideae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Limniris
Section: Limniris
Species: I. pseudacorus
Binomial name
Iris pseudacorus
L.
Synonyms
  • Acorus adulterinus Garsault [Invalid]
  • Iris acoriformis Boreau
  • Iris acoroides Spach
  • Iris bastardii Boreau
  • Iris curtopetala F. Delaroche
  • Iris curtopetala F. Delaroche ex Redoute
  • Iris flava Tornab.
  • Iris lutea Lam.
  • Iris pallidior Hill
  • Iris paludosa Pers.
  • Iris palustris Gaterau [Illegitimate]
  • Iris palustris Moench [Illegitimate]
  • 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. citrina Hook.
  • Iris pseudacorus f. longiacuminata Prodán
  • Iris pseudacorus f. nyaradyana Prodán
  • Iris pseudacorus var. ochroleuca Peterm.
  • Iris pseudacorus f. submersa Glück
  • Iris sativa Mill.
  • Limnirion pseudacorus (L.) Opiz
  • Limniris pseudacorus (L.) Fuss
  • Moraea candolleana Spreng.
  • Pseudo-iris palustris Medik.
  • Vieusseuxia iridioides F.Delaroche
  • Xiphion acoroides (Spach) Alef.

    • ...

Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag, yellow iris, water flag, lever[1]) is a species in the genus Iris, of the family Iridaceae. It is native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. Its specific epithet, meaning "false acorus," refers to the similarity of its leaves to those of Acorus calamus, as they have a prominently veined mid-rib and sword-like shape.

Growth

Close-up of flowers
Iris pseudacorus – MHNT

It is an herbaceous flowering perennial plant, growing to 100–150 centimetres (39–59 in) (or a rare 2 metres (6 ft 7 in)) tall, with erect leaves up to 90 centimetres (35 in) long and 3 centimetres (1.2 in) broad. The flowers are bright yellow, 7–10 centimetres (2.8–3.9 in) across, with the typical iris form. The fruit is a dry capsule 4–7 centimetres (1.6–2.8 in) long, containing numerous pale brown seeds. I. pseudacorus grows best in very wet conditions, and is often 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 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 corn crake.

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

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:-

Invasive species

In some regions 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.

Uses

The rhizome has historically been used as an herbal remedy, most often as an emetic. When applied to the skin or inhaled, the tannin-rich juices can be acrid and irritating.

This plant has been used as a form of water treatment since it has the ability to take up heavy metals through its roots.

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.wab1.info/yellow-iris
  2. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus". Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  3. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus 'Roy Davidson'". Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  4. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata'". Retrieved 24 June 2013.

External links

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