Is everyone ready for another week of “I Spy in the Sea to Sky…”? If you’ve ever floated down the River of Golden Dreams or visited Green Lake in Whistler, there’s a good chance you’ve seen this invasive species, and never thought anything of it!
Yellow Flag Iris is a flowering invasive species in the Sea to Sky, blooming between April and July, with eye-catching, bright yellow flowers. Without its stand-out blooms, this plant can be tricky to identify, and is often confused with Common Bulrush/Cattail (a non-invasive aquatic plant)! Some key identifiers of Yellow Flag Iris include its fanned-out leaves, flattened at the base of the stem, and 3 fully yellow petals that form the flower. Interestingly enough, Yellow Flag Iris is the only member of the iris family that produces an entirely yellow flower.
This waterlogged weed spreads by floating seeds and creeping rhizomes (plant roots), slowly choking out wetlands and blocking water flow. It grows in dense stands and displaces native plants, which can trap sediment, alter watercourses and deter native birds from nesting sites. Not only that, but this noxious weed is toxic to humans and animals, causing skin irritation and severe gastrointestinal distress – so please, don’t try removing it by yourself!
If you are determined to remove it on your own, make sure to dig out the rhizomes to their full depth (30cm), including the surrounding area (about 30cm out). Be warned that Yellow Flag Iris is HEAVY, and can be difficult to lift or move once removed. Do not compost any parts of the plant body, and wear gloves to prevent contact with toxic resins.
For more information on identifying Yellow Flag Iris and removal methods, click here.
This villainous vegetation is categorized as “eradicate” under SSISC’s Species Priority List. That means there’s still a chance to be rid of it, once and for all! Think you’ve spotted Yellow Flag Iris? Report it here or email us at info@ssisc.ca.
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