MinervaFlora - November Updates

This month, we will discuss replacing Iris, a plant native to Europe/Asia.  While not all non-native Irises are invasive, some are naturalized or invasive in the Midwest.

Bearded Iris (Iris germanica) prefer sun and well-drained soil, others, such as the Siberian Iris (Iris siberica) prefer moist, wet soil.

Good native Iris alternatives are:

• Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica) a hardy, clump-forming, wetland plant, grows to 3’, prefers sun/part shade. Supports native pollinators, offers habitat and stabilizes shorelines.

• Copper Iris (Iris fulva) - hardy, wetland plant, grows to 3’, likes sun/part shade. Hummingbirds and native pollinators feed on this 

• Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata) - colony forming, 16” tall, likes dry soil, part shade/shade. An early spring nectar source for pollinators.

Our second plant this month is English Ivy (Hedera helix). Its berries are enjoyed by the European Starling. This plant is naturalized or invasive in parts of the Midwest.

Native alternatives to this ivy:

• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) climbs 30-50’, sun to full shade, well-draining soil, provides critical food and shelter, host of caterpillars including the Virginia Creeper Sphinx moth and the berries provide food for songbirds and small mammals. A rapid grower, the sap can be irritating to skin and berries are toxic.

• Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) vines grow 3-18’ in full to partial sun and well-draining soil. Good for pollinators, nesting habitat, food source for small insects.