The wild iris in Alaska fascinates me. It was one of the first flowers I noticed at the cabin on Cub Lake. My front flowerbed was filled with them, packed in so tightly that nothing else would grow. I tried using a shovel to dig some up, but had no luck. Shon couldn’t even break through that thick root mass. We eventually got a grubbing hoe to thin them out a bit. I pulled them up and threw them in another area where I thought they might take root. I didn’t even dig holes! Sure enough, they have taken hold and are filling in that area nicely. I’m not sure I could kill them if I tried! They love the moist soil, but can also survive in rocky areas. I frequently see them next to lakes, in bogs, and in swampy meadows. Basically, they aren’t too picky.
Right before they are finished flowering, they develop a seed pod, as you can see in the picture. In the fall, that pod dries out and a bunch of little brown seeds get spit out onto the ground. The first year we were here, I tried to catch each and every seed so I could plant them where I wanted them. Little did I know that I didn’t need to bother. They grow wild and are super easy to transplant.
After a little research, I have learned that they are also found in much of Canada, Maine, and New Hampshire. In some parts of Asia, such as Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan, they can also be found.
I sure hope those people have a grubbing hoe!
(Research found at lwpetersen.com.)
#alaskawildflower #alaska #wildiris