Yellow flag iris is a fast-spreading invasive plant that chokes out native species and disrupts wetland ecosystems. It’s especially concerning in shallow waters around Lac des Roches.
This summer, our Watershed Society will organize a survey to facilitate a community removal effort.
If you spot Yellow Flag Iris, please:
- Take a photo of the plant
- Let us know if you cut the flowers off
- Send the photo to: lacdesrochesorg@gmail.com
Your photo helps us pinpoint where the iris is growing and monitor its spread. Cutting the flowers off prevents the plant from developing seeds and slows the spread of this invasive species.
How to Enable Location on Your Photos
To map sightings, we need your photo to include GPS location (it’s automatic once enabled):
iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
- Turn Location Services ON
- Scroll to Camera > Select “While Using the App”
Android:
- Go to Settings > Location > Turn ON
- In your Camera app, go to Settings and turn on:
- “Save location,” “Tag location,” or “Geo-tagging”
You only need to do this once.
How to Spot Yellow Flag Iris
Look for these features in shallow water, ditches, or along the shoreline:
- Tall, sword-shaped leaves, usually over 1 metre (3 feet) high
- Bright yellow flowers with 3 large outer petals (blooming May–July)
- Green seed pods form later in summer and float when released
- Grows in dense clumps, often forming mats along the water’s edge
Thank you for helping protect our watershed!
Kerry Veldhuis
Lac des Roches Watershed Society
780-974-9425