Montana Field Guide

PLANTS: Herbaceous perennials that grow from 1 to 1.5 meters tall with showy flowers and thick rhizomes (DiTomaso and Healy 2003). Stems are clumped (Lesica 2012). Rhizomes are up to 5 inches wide, have black sap, and produce roots that range from 4 to 12 inches long (Jacobs et al. 2011).

LEAVES: Each plant has up to several equitant leaves that fold in half length-wise and enclose the base of the next higher leaf (Jacobs et al. 2011; Lesica 2012). Thus, leaves emerge from the ground resembling a spreading fan (Jacobs et al. 2011). Each leaf resembles a sword’s tip, and is from 50-100 cm (20-40 inches) tall and 10-30 cm (0.4-1.2 inches) wide.

INFLORESCENCE: An erect raceme of 3-10 yellow flowers, that branches in its upper portion (Lesica 2012). Bracts (spathes) are leaf-like, 4-7 cm long, and enfold the stem; the outer are keeled (Lesica 2012).

The genus name “Iris” is derived from Iris, the greek goddess of the rainbow and messenger to the gods (Ramey and Peichel 2001). The specific epithet name “pseudacorus” means false (pseud) sweet flag (Acorus) referring to the similarity with the genus Acorus (Ramey and Peichel 2001).

Flowers bloom from May to July, and are pollinated by insects. Seeds are produced between July and October. Germination primarily occurs the following spring.

Montana has two Iris species: Rocky Mountain Iris (Iris missouriensis) and Yellowflag. The native Rocky Mountain Iris has a similar appearance, but develops 1-3 blue flowers and Yellowflag Iris has 3-10 yellow flowers. Both iris species occupy similar habitats. Rocky Mountain Iris grows in moist to wet meadows and irrigation ditches, but can tolerate drier conditions (thickets and woodlands). Yellowflag Iris requires moist to wetter habitats. In addition, Rocky Mountain Iris plants tend to be shorter (10-50 cm), have shorter (10-40 cm) and narrower (3-8 mm) leaves, and their rhizomes lack the black sap (Jacobs et al. 2011; Lesica 2012).

Cattail (Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia) leaves sheath at the base and appear similar when young, but their stems are round (not flattened).

Disturbed wetland habitats: marshes, wet meadows, irrigation ditches, pond margins, and riparian areas in the valleys (Lesica 2012).

Yellowflag Iris grows in temperate climates in habitats associated with water from sea level to 4300 feet in elevation (Tu 2003). It typically grows in shallow waters, but can tolerate depths of 2-3 feet (Tu 2003). It typically grows in moist to saturated silt, sand, gravel, or cobble substrates associated with calcareous, sandy loam, clay loam, or peat soils (Jacobs et al. 2011). It can grow where soils are seasonally dry. Soils can range in pH from 3.6 to 7.7 (Tu 2003). It requires soils that are high in nitrogen, but can tolerate high percentages of organics and low levels of oxygen (Tu 2003). It can tolerate long periods of anoxic soil conditions (no free oxygen and reducing conditions) (Tu 2003). It can grow in salt marshes and tolerate salinity levels 24 percent (Tu 2003).

Yellowflag Iris does not provide food for native animals and it contains glycosides which are poisonous to grazing animals (Tu 2003). All parts of the plant are poisonous (Tu 2003). Birds do not ingest or disperse the seeds (Tu 2003).

POLLINATORS
The following animal species have been reported as pollinators of this plant species or its genus where their geographic ranges overlap: Bombus appositus, Bombus auricomus, Bombus bifarius, Bombus centralis, Bombus fervidus, Bombus flavifrons, Bombus huntii, Bombus melanopygus, Bombus nevadensis, Bombus rufocinctus, Bombus occidentalis, Bombus pensylvanicus, Bombus griseocollis, Bombus insularis, and Bombus suckleyi (Macior 1974, Heinrich 1976, Thorp et al. 1983, Colla and Dumesh 2010, Miller-Struttmann and Galen 2014).

Each flower has 3 downward-pointing sepals and 3 upward-pointing petals that look similar and are joined at their bases, 3 stamens united at their bases, and an inferior ovary with a 3-branched style (Jacobs et al. 2011; Lesica 2012). Sepals and petals range from light to dark yellow. Sepals often have brown veins or flecks, an orange spot near the base, and lack dense hairs (not bearded) on the upper surface (DiTomaso and Healy 2003). The stamens are hidden beneath the fringed, style branches (Jacobs et al. 2011). Flower pedicels are 2–4 cm long (Lesica 2012).

Plants reproduce by seeds and by rhizomes. Flowers are pollinated by bumble bees (Bombus spp.) and long-tongued flies (Tu 2003). The fruits are 3-sided, obovoid, 3-7 cm long capsules (or pods) (Lesica 2012). Each capsule contains three chambers with two rows of roundish, flat, brown seeds (Jacobs et al. 2011). Each capsule produces about 6 to 120 seeds, but many remain undeveloped and not viable (Jacobs et al. 2011). Seeds contain air in their seed coats allowing them to float for long periods and be dispersed by water (Jacobs et al. 2011).

The seasonal accumulation of carbohydrates creates annual segments in the rhizomes that can be counted to determine the plant’s age (Jacobs et al. 2011). Air chambers in the rhizomes facilitate survival under conditions of low-oxygen, such as when soils are saturated for a prolonged duration (Jacobs et al. 2011). One study found that excavated rhizomes grew for 3-months indoors without water, indicating they can tolerate drought (Jacobs et al. 2011). Rhizomes and leaves contain glycosides that deter herbivory (Jacobs et al. 2011). Fragmented rhizomes can form floating mats (Jacobs et al. 2011).

LIFE CYCLE [Adapted from Jacobs et al. 2011].
Flowers bloom from May to July and seeds develop from July to October. Most seeds germinate the following spring, but some germinate in summer and very few in fall. Germination occurs on moist, drained soil, and not when fully inundated (Tu 2003). The germination rate of freshly collected seeds was found to be 48 percent at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). This rate increased if seeds were scarified, and further increased with removal of the fat-like seed coating.

Under normal germination conditions, a root emerges from the seed and grows for about five days. The shoot emerges on the seventh day and cotyledons appear on the tenth day. After one month seedlings can have three leaves, lateral roots, and adventitious roots. The proportion of roots to shoots in seedlings is high, and may help it establish in muddy substrates.

Dispersal primarily occurs by seeds, and less frequently by fragmented rhizomes.

Montana's Yellowflag Iris Task Force is led by Jed Little who can be contacted at: (406) 258-4220 or mapping@missoulaeduplace.org

Yellowflag Iris was introduced to North America as a horticultural plant. Many cultivars of this species have been developed (Tu 2003). Because of its growth form, Yellowflag Iris has been planted for erosion control and in sewage treatment ponds (Tu 2003). It has been used to collect sediment and to remove copper and iron heavy metals from wastewater (Tu 2003).

PREVENTION
It is a beautiful plant that will continue to be spread by gardeners, garden dealers, and sales on the internet until the sale of the species is banned. Preventing new infestations is the best means for controlling the plant. It is difficult to eradicate because it reproduces vegetatively and by seed, is adaptable to a wide range of moisture and soil conditions, and has few pests or predators (Tu 2003).

CHEMICAL CONTROL [Adapted from Tu 2003.]
Herbicides are effective at controlling populations. However, the type of herbicide, herbicide concentration, timing of chemical control, and other factors will determine its effectiveness. Always wear protective clothing designed for chemicals, follow chemical label instructions, and use restrictions. Many herbicides must be applied by applicators with an Aquatic Pest Control license. Consult your County Extension Agent and/or Weed District for more information on herbicidal control.

Because it grows in or adjacent to water, an aquatic-labelled herbicide and adjuvant must be used. Glyphosate, under the trade names of Rodeo®, Aquamaster® or Glypro®, has been used successfully to kill Yellowflag Iris; however, plants are resistant to Terbutryne. Use Glyphosate in a 25 percent solution (13 percent a.i.) with a dripless wick/wiper applicator, or spray it using a 5-8 percent solution, and in combination with the appropriate non-ionic surfactant adjuvant. It is recommended to use a dye to better track sprays. The herbicide can be applied directly to leaves or to freshly cut leaves/stems. Spot-treat plants and do not broadcast spray in order to protect other native plants, animals, and water quality.

MECHANICAL CONTROL [Adapted from Tu 2003.]
Mechanical control is labor-intensive, but new or small patches can be controlled by physically removing the entire plant. It is essential to remove the entire rhizome, since small pieces of rhizome can re-sprout. Protective gear should be worn since resinous substances in the leaves and rhizomes can irritate the skin.

Mowing can provide control if done annually, but it will not remove the plant. Likewise, removing the flowers/fruits (dead-heading) will reduce its ability to spread, but will not kill the plant. Plants are poisonous if ingested by grazing animals.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL [Adapted from Tu 2003.]
There are no known biological controls available for Yellowflag Iris. Many invertebrates and fungi do feed upon iris, and specific species are listed in the document, Element Stewardship Abstract for Iris pseudacorus L. by Mandy Tu of The Nature Conservancy (2003). In addition, the iris root rot called Pseudomonas iridis causes leaves to yellow and rhizomes to rot. However, none of these insects, fungi, or pathogen significantly kill plants or control populations.

CULTURAL [Adapted from Tu 2003.]
Prescribed fire is not recommended for controlling Yellowflag Iris. Plants grow in wet environments which are often poorly affected by fire and where other native plants are not adapted to fire. Rhizomes can re-sprout in response to low-severity fires.

Contact information for local county Weed District Coordinators can be found on the Montana Weed Control Association Contacts Webpage.

Contact information for Aquatic Invasive Species personnel:
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species staff
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program
Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC)
Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3)