For those around the CVNP, the wild iris are blooming. This images was shot near the beaver pond about 5 PM today. The light was OK, clear sky's and a slight breeze.
There is a large field ( about 2-3 acres) that is very shoot-able close by this location. If you don't know where it is and want to know, please send me an email at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com. They will last about a week or 2 at most.
JG
Nikon D200 /Nikon 28-70mm F2.8./ Pol / Tripod/ 40th at F11 /
ISO 100 /RAW
Sorry to have to bring it up but this yellow iris, Iris pseudacorus is an invasive aquatic plant from Europe. As you can see in this habitat, it colonizes into large numbers, forming very dense monotypic stands, outcompeting other plants. Having dealt with exotic plants in natural habitats for over 30 years, I guess I just can't help myself in pointing out one when I see it, and, in this case, lots of them...
WOW...who would have thought that. You are right that they are spreading rapidly every year!
JG
Posted by Chuck Beatty on May 20, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Well, that certainly takes all the fun out of it. The upside is that this landscape has been reworked so many times in the last two centuries (most recently by an industrious group of beavers) there probably aren't too many original species left to outcompete. (Not that that's a good thing.) The marsh where these irises are growing didn't even exist 40 years ago.
Chuck, there's still some hope for the natives. Those emergent leaves in front of the yellow iris are yellow pond-lilly, Nuphar advena!
Even though the pond/marsh may have been overworked over decades, even centuries, the seeds can stay viable for a long time. They only need the right level in the soil with the right temperature and moisture to do their thing. I remember reading about lotus seeds found in an Egyptian tomb were planted and they germinated! There are lots of native aquatic plants that can survive many years/decades/centuries of dormancy just waiting for the right conditions.
Nature can sometimes show a remarkable amount of patience.
Chuck, I don't have a specific reference, just bits and pieces I have picked up over the years. If you do a Google search on seed longevity, also aquatic seed longevity, you will find lots of references. Google is such a great place for hard-to-find information.
Interesting comments regarding the non-native issue. It certainly makes for a beautiful scene regardless. Hopefully they don't cause to much damage to the native eco-systems. Nicely photographed Jack.
Posted by Chuck Beatty on May 22, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Here's a web site with lots of info on these irises. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/seagrant/iripse2.html
Discussion
10 repliesThere is a large field ( about 2-3 acres) that is very shoot-able close by this location. If you don't know where it is and want to know, please send me an email at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com. They will last about a week or 2 at most.
JG
Nikon D200 /Nikon 28-70mm F2.8./ Pol / Tripod/ 40th at F11 /
ISO 100 /RAW
I am enjoying the comp on this VERY much. Just wishing for some better light! I am sure you will try again seeing you seem to be persistent!
Sorry to have to bring it up but this yellow iris, Iris pseudacorus is an invasive aquatic plant from Europe. As you can see in this habitat, it colonizes into large numbers, forming very dense monotypic stands, outcompeting other plants. Having dealt with exotic plants in natural habitats for over 30 years, I guess I just can't help myself in pointing out one when I see it, and, in this case, lots of them...
Best,
Don
WOW...who would have thought that. You are right that they are spreading rapidly every year!
JG
Even though the pond/marsh may have been overworked over decades, even centuries, the seeds can stay viable for a long time. They only need the right level in the soil with the right temperature and moisture to do their thing. I remember reading about lotus seeds found in an Egyptian tomb were planted and they germinated! There are lots of native aquatic plants that can survive many years/decades/centuries of dormancy just waiting for the right conditions.
Nature can sometimes show a remarkable amount of patience.
Thanks,
Chuck
Don