Sagittaria latifolia (American Arrowhead)

Sagittaria latifolia (American Arrowhead) is a marginal aquatic perennial boasting arrow-shaped dark green leaves that can reach up to 12 in. in length (30 cm). The leaves may grow submerged, becoming long and tapered. Blooming freely in summer, clear white flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), appear in progressive whorls of three atop stalks rising to 4 ft. tall (120 cm). Long-blooming and attractive, the male flowers display bushy yellow stamens while the female flowers display mounded green centers. They give way to clusters of tiny dry seeds which are attractive to water birds. Widely distributed across North, Central and South America, Sagittaria latifolia naturalizes by rhizomes and self-seeding. Loved by ducks, snapping turtles or muskrats, its underground tubers are edible, and may be boiled or baked like potatoes. Native Americans harvested and consumed these tubers, and Wapato was one of the names given to them. Vigorous, Sagittaria latifolia is often selected for pond restorations as it self-seeds readily and takes over whatever aquatic space is available.

• Grows up to 1-4 ft. tall (30-120 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in clay-loam, sandy to mucky, moist to wet soils. Will grow in standing water about 1-6 in. deep (2-15 cm).
• A beautiful addition to bogs or pond areas, water gardens.
• Cut back in late summer and remove dead flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
• This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species.
• Propagate by seed sown when ripe or by runners in summer. Alternatively, plant overwintered tubers in spring.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for spider mites and aphids.
• Native to sloughs, swamps, marshes and margins of streams and ponds throughout North America, Central and South America.