The Yellow Iris has a certain beauty to it. "Two to three deep yellow flowers grow on one round stock, and there are outer drooping sepals... with brownish mottle markings," says Lori Seele, the Duluth Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Coordinator. But don't be fooled; the plant is an invasive species.
The visual appeal is part of the problem. The propagation of the Yellow Iris is partly on humans and partly on nature. "It is spread from being planted near water bodies," says Seele. The plants have underwater horizontal roots that aid with the spread.
When it comes to removing and controlling the Yellow Iris there are different methods. Digging out the plant is an option, though getting the entirety of the root system is a challenge. If you take this route, wear gloves. "The sap is a skin irritant," says Seele. There is an herbicide option as well. Permits are required for any control being applied to public lands.
Those interested in more information can visit the Minnesota DNR website.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am on Wednesdays on Northland Morning.
