Yellow iris, an invasive plant, has returned to Mossy Point, where we first discovered it a couple years ago. This “botanical bully” is blooming NOW. Though pretty, it is poisonous and it spreads aggressively. Its roots can connect hundreds of flowering plants, choking native wetland plants, restricting water flow, and degrading habitat for fish, plants and other animals. Its seeds spread long distances along the edges of ponds, rivers, streams and lakes.
Rapid response and removal are key to the successful eradication of any new lake invader. Please be on the lookout for this plant. Before attempting to pull this invader, please verify the plant’s identification with the LGA. If desired, the LGA will come out and remove this plant from a watershed property. If you decide to remove the plant on your own, these steps should be followed:
– Wear gloves as the plant’s resins can irritate the skin. Clip flower heads prior to seed development.
– Pull and dig out plants, being careful to completely remove all of the roots. Any roots remaining in the ground can grow new infestations.
– Cut plants standing in water below the waterline.
– Place all plant pieces in plastic bags and take the bags to a sanitary landfill site. Do not compost.
