![]() ![]() ![]() It has been documented growing in all counties within the Adirondack Park Blue Line. In New York State, Blue Flag is found in nearly all counties in the eastern part of the state. In Canada, its distribution spans from Newfoundland to Manitoba. The native distribution of Blue Flag includes the northeastern part of the US, south to Virginia. Blue Flag has large lobes that bees use as landing platforms and special markings directing bees to the nectar glands. Blue Flag also attracts bees and hummingbirds.īlue Flag plants are pollinated by bees and, like other plant species pollinated by bees, have evolved special types of flowers that are easy for bees to find. Several non-pollinating nectar feeders are frequent flower visitors, including Harris Checkerspot and Hobomok Skipper. Blue Flag on the wet meadow at the Marcy Field trailhead, Essex County, NY (3 June 2022).īlue Flag has limited value as a food source for wildlife. Wildlife Value of Blue FlagĪdirondack Wildflowers: Blue Flag has large lobes that bees use as landing platforms and special markings directing bees to the nectar glands. Powdered iris root has also been added to perfume and potpourri. In addition, some native Americans reportedly used the two outermost fibers of the leaves to spin twine. Although Blue Flag is poisonous, Native Americans and colonists dried the rhizome of the plant and used it in small amounts as a cathartic and diuretic. In the past, Blue Flag was a popular medicinal plant among some native American groups. ![]() Contact with the plant can also cause skin irritations in some people. The roots are particularly toxic and can cause nausea and vomiting. ![]() Uses of Blue Flagīlue Flag is considered to be poisonous if ingested. The fruit of Blue Flag is a three-celled capsule about 1½ inches long and ¾ inch in diameter.
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