Yellow flag Iris

Description:

This vigorous water iris is a herbaceous flowering perennial plant, and growing up to 1,5 m tall. It has erect and elongated sword-like leaves, about 1 m long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are bright yellow, have typical iris form and measure approx 10 cm in diameter.

Habitat:

The yellow-flag iris is native to Eurasia and north Africa and is found in wetlands on low altitude, as it tolerates submersion, low pH, and environments lacking dissolved oxygen. Here, observed on edges of a likely artificial pond in the valley of lake Geneva (Leman), situated just in between Alps and Jura ranges.

Notes:

As this water iris grows best in very wet conditions, it was often used as an ornamental plant in wet gardens. In some regions of the world, it has escaped and established itself as an introduced species. In these regions, it is considered an invasive species, as it proves very difficult to exterminate it. Historically, the rhizome was used as herbal remedy, most often to provoke vomiting.