Irises and Fox Squirrels

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     I am wondering about something I am seeing.  Beginning when I took the no-drain Iris tubs and sunk them in the ground, the Shermanâs Fox Squirrels have been frequently visiting those tubs.  They sip the water even when not fresh, and they lick the Iris virginica foliage.  They do not harm the plants in any manner. 

     What I am wondering is does the Iris virginica have some insect or nutrient that is otherwise lacking in the local diet of the Shermanâs Fox Squirrels?  Unlike the more common gray squirrels, the Shermanâs Fox Squirrels [which are an endangered species] are not destructive.  They harmlessly move through the plants.  I feed them and the birds, and was wondering if there is something they are getting on the Irises.  Shown is a photo of a Shermanâs Fox Squirrel.  These are about four times the size of the more common âgraysâ and notice the length of the tail.

 

Mark A. Cook

b*@bellsouth.net

Dunnellon, Florida.