Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Alismataceae (Water Plantain)
Maximum Size:
80 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, ponds, riversides, water, waterside.
Arrowhead produces striking white flowers with three broad petals and a yellow or purplish centre. These appear in whorled clusters on tall, upright stems from July to September. The flowers are unisexual, with male flowers usually above the female ones on the same plant. They grow above the water surface and attract various pollinators, especially flies and bees. The plant thrives in shallow, slow-moving or still water such as ponds, ditches, and the edges of rivers.
Fruit:
After pollination, the female flowers develop into small, rounded clusters of dry fruits known as achenes. These achenes are buoyant and can float, aiding dispersal via water currents. Each fruit contains a single seed, and the entire cluster may remain attached to the plant above the water or eventually fall in and drift away.
Leaves:
The plant's name comes from its distinctive arrowhead-shaped leaves, which are sharply pointed and emerge above the water on long stalks. Submerged leaves, however, are strap-like or linear and quite different in form. This dual-leaf structure helps the plant thrive in aquatic environments. The emergent leaves are thick, glossy, and dark green, and can vary in size depending on water depth.
Fragrance:
Arrowhead has no notable scent. The flowers are mildly fragrant to some insects, but the scent is not strong or easily detectable by humans. The leaves and tubers are also essentially scentless.
Other Names:
Arrow-head, Chinese Arrowhead, Common Arrow Leaf, Giant Arrowhead, Hawaii Arrowhead, Japanese Arrowhead, Old World Arrowhead, Swamp Potato, Swan Potato, Water Archer.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Sagittaria sagittifolia, also known as arrowhead or broadleaf arrowhead, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the aroid family and is known for its small, white flowers and arrow-shaped leaves. Sagittaria sagittifolia is a low-growing plant that is often found in wetland or aquatic areas. It is easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates. Sagittaria sagittifolia prefers full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. The plant is generally hardy and low maintenance, but it can be prone to pests such as slugs and snails. Sagittaria sagittifolia is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine the safety and effectiveness of using it medicinally.
Blog
Arrowhead, also known as Sagittaria sagittifolia, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Alismataceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams. The plant is named for its arrow-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 9 inches long and 3 inches wide.
The arrowhead plant is known for its striking, white or pale blue flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are arranged in spikes and are shaped like a fan. The plant also produces small, triangular fruits that turn black when ripe.
Arrowhead is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers full sun or partial shade and wet soil. It is also tolerant of drought and can grow in standing water. The plant spreads through underground rhizomes and can form large colonies.
Arrowhead has been used by Native American tribes for centuries for both medicinal and food purposes. The rhizomes of the plant were boiled or roasted and eaten as a starchy vegetable. The plant's leaves and stems were also used to make tea and as a poultice to treat wounds and skin irritations.
In recent years, arrowhead has been used in the landscaping industry as an attractive and low-maintenance water garden plant. The arrowhead is also used in the treatment of wastewater and sewage as it can tolerate high levels of pollution, which helps to purify the water.
Overall, the Arrowhead is a versatile and hardy plant that can be used for a variety of purposes. Its medicinal and food uses, as well as its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, make it a valuable addition to any garden or ecosystem.
In addition to its medicinal and food uses, arrowhead has also been used in traditional spiritual practices. Some Native American tribes believed that the plant had spiritual power and used it in rituals and ceremonies. The plant was also believed to have protective powers and was sometimes planted near homes to ward off evil spirits.
Arrowhead is also a popular plant for wildlife. The plant's leaves and stems provide food for waterfowl, muskrats, and beavers. The plant's flowers are also a nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Additionally, the plant provides cover and nesting sites for aquatic birds, such as herons and egrets.
Arrowhead is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in the spring or fall. It can also be grown from seed, but it may take a few years for the plant to reach maturity.
In cultivation, the plant prefers wet soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but it prefers neutral to acidic soils. It can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrowhead is a valuable plant for its medicinal, food, and spiritual uses, as well as its ability to provide habitat and food for wildlife. Its hardy nature and ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions make it a great addition to any garden, water garden, or wetland restoration project.
Arrowhead is a versatile and hardy plant that can be used for a variety of purposes. Its medicinal and food uses, as well as its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, make it a valuable addition to any garden or ecosystem.
It is also known for its medicinal properties, as the plant contains compounds that have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The rhizomes of the plant are particularly rich in starch, which makes them a good source of energy.
The plant is also known to have a positive effect on water quality, it is a natural water purifier and can help to remove pollutants from the water. This makes it a useful plant in areas where water pollution is a problem, such as near agricultural land or urban areas.
Arrowhead is a great plant for planting near water features, such as ponds and streams, as it can tolerate wet soil and can even grow in standing water. It is also great for planting in rain gardens, as it can help to filter runoff water and reduce erosion.
In conclusion, Arrowhead is a versatile and hardy plant that can be used for a variety of purposes. Its medicinal and food uses, as well as its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, make it a valuable addition to any garden or ecosystem. Its ability to purify water and its positive effect on the environment make it a great plant for promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Video
Arrowhead filmed in Wigan, Lancashire on the 7th August 2022.
Music credits
Evil Plan by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100234
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
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