Re: animals eating iris

 

Diane,
 
I've heard that some beardless iris (mainly versicolor and pseudacorus) contain compounds that can be toxic. Nothing here bothers mine.
 
The bearded irises are occasionally nibbled by squirrels or young deer but with other things that are more palatable, are usually left alone. (I use the root medicinally in a salve for infections.)
 
Other groups get attacked by deer or gophers if not protected. Sino-siberians are a favorite of both and JIs seem to attract gophers.
 
One neighbor uses a mixture of egg, water, and Tabasco sauce sprayed on everything in her garden to train the deer to look elsewhere. She claims it usually takes about 3 applications each spring before they get the idea that nothing in her yard tastes good.
 
Christy
----- Original Message -----
From: v*@islandnet.com

So is it just some animals that won't eat iris, and is it a 
preference, or are iris actually poisonous?

Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index