Re: Clarence's advice on I. pseudacorus

Clarence Mahan wrote:

> I. pseudacorus is replacing I. versicolor (which is of course a native American
> species)!!!!  Apparently, when I. pseudacorus is introduced into the wild,
> its strong constitution overwhelms the native American species. 
> 
> I write this to get the word out that Iris pseudacorus should not be allowed
> to go wild...but this seems almost a futile objective since I have seen this
> iris around many ponds and lakes in VA!  And the seed is very hardy and
> viable!  
> 
Too true!  I happen to work for the Virginia Natural Heritage 
Program, and our botanists consider I. pseudacorus to be a dangerous 
alien invasive.  While not as noxious as Japanese honeysuckle or 
purple loosestrife, pseudacorus should be planted with great care.  
It is great in a controlled perennial bed or isolated bog or 
pond, but please do not plant it near running water or near a wet 
natural area.  Most important of all, clipping the stalks before seed 
pods form lowers the risk considerably.  

 (Dustin now performs a dismount from the soapbox!) 

Happy irising, but be careful out there!

Dustin Howarth
Ashland, VA
Dustin Howarth
Zone 7a, Ashland (central) Va
howarth@zool.umd.edu
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