In Canada, naturally occurring populations of western blue flag (Iris missouriensis) are restricted
to the southwestern comer of Alberta. Because of its limited range and abundance, it was listed...
Description
In Canada, naturally occurring populations of western blue flag (Iris missouriensis) are restricted
to the southwestern comer of Alberta. Because of its limited range and abundance, it was listed as threatened under the Alberta Wildlife Act. Earlier status reports indicated that the population was limited and declining; however, new sites inventoried in 2000 and 2001 have substantially increased stem counts. Nevertheless, the species must still be considered vulnerable because of its limited range, its strict habitat requirements, and because it occurs mainly on private land. In 2000 and 2001 all known naturally-occurring western blue flag sites were inventoried. Results contained in this report indicate there are eleven naturally-occurring sites in Alberta with a total of 14,757 stems. Information for each site is described and management recommendations are provided.