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Yellow iris
(Iris pseudacorus)
Yellow iris © Laurie Campbell
Also known as 'yellow flag'.
A tall plant (it can grow up to a meter and a half in height) with branched stems and large, bright yellow flowers. Its leaves are long and sword-shaped.
The yellow iris was chosen as the County Flower of Wigtownshire and the county's marshy hollows are often flooded with its bright 'flags' . It is known locally as 'segg' or 'sword-grass', a reference to the equally remarkable blade-like leaves.
The yellow iris is one of the flowers we keep track of in our Wildflowers Count survey - click here to find out how you can help out.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the UK, except for the Scottish Highlands.
Habitat
A plant of damp places, from lake and river margins to wet woodland and marshes.
Best time to see
When it flowers from May to July.
Did you know?
The yellow iris is thought by some to be the original 'fleur-de-lis' - a common symbol of heraldry.
How to grow yellow iris:
Preferred site: Sunny.
Position in garden: An easy and vigorous plant for the pond margin, bog garden, or a constantly moist border. They appreciate a rich, well-dug soil, but can be somewhat invasive under optimum conditions.
How to plant and when: Plant bare-rooted or potted plants during the spring or early summer months, into well-prepared fertile garden soil.
Propagation: Yellow iris is most easily propagated by division of the rhizomes, and potted on, or planted in their final position in the garden.
Sources of plants and seeds: Widely available from good garden centres and nurseries, especially in the aquatic plants section. Seed is not widely available.