Re: I. pseudacarus
- Subject: Re: I. pseudacarus
- From: P* O*
- Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 09:51:13 -0600
From: "Patrick O'Connor" <swamp@ix.netcom.com>
Bill Shear wrote:
>Just a personal observation: at the pond behind the building where I work,
>there is a single clump of pseudacorus. It has not spread despite copious
>seed production. However, I. versicolor, which first appeared as single
>plant some 10 years ago, now has numerous clumps around the pond margin.
>The I. virginica, LA hybrids, I. xrobusta, and versatas I planted there
>likewise have not spread.
>
>I suspect that the dangers of pseudacorus becoming invasive decrease as one
>moves south, into less favorable territory for, perhaps, seed germination.
>
>Pseudacorus has been around and about New England for centuries, with no
>comments (so far as I know--which isn't very far) on its invasiveness. In
>Texas it would no more be an alien weed than would versicolor.
Bill,
I agree that the invasiveness of Pseudocorus is over-rated. In South
Louisiana, where I am, it is very common but the agent of the spread is
landscapers, not nature. Designers want to put it everwhere. If a public
planting has irises, the chances are great they will be pseudacorus. Many
a clump sits at or near the foundation of homes.
It is disheartening that so many still pass over Louisianas, although I do
understand that the foliage value of pseudacorus largely accounts for its
use. And it is so vigorous that there is an ample supply. Virginica would
be be better for year round foliage and flowers, in my opinion, and I
think, in time there will be a shift to use of Louisanas and Virginicas.
At the same time that one sees pseudocorus everywhere here, it does not
seem to be an escapee. I have not encountered it in rambling around the
countryside, except at old homesites and the like. It will take over a
limited area with dense foliage, but does not pop up in the vicinity. The
swamps, bayous, coulees and ditches are not clogged with it. Perhaps it
cannot compete with Water Hyacinth!
Patrick
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