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Broad-leaved Arrowhead

Sagittaria latifolia

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Alismatales
Family:
Alismataceae (Water Plantain)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, ponds, swamps, water, wetland.

Flower:
֍
White, 3 petals
 
The white (pink tinged) flowers have 3 petals and 3 green sepals. They form flower spikes and each flower is about 4cm wide. This species is similar to Arrowhead (Sagittaria saggitifolia) but without the base of the petals being purple. Purple stamens. Insect pollinated.
Fruit:
The fruits are globular and produce seeds that ripen in August and September.
Leaves:
Arrow-shaped leaves on the end of a stalk, up to 30cm in length. Perennial.
Other Names:
American Arrowhead, Broadleaf Arrowhead, Duck-potato, Indian Potato, Various-leaved Arrowhead, Wapato.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Sagittaria latifolia, also known as common arrowhead or duck potato, 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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

Broad-leaved Arrowhead, also known as Sagittaria latifolia, is a perennial aquatic plant that is native to North America. This plant is commonly found in swamps, marshes, and other wetland areas, and is known for its distinctive arrowhead-shaped leaves.

The leaves of Broad-leaved Arrowhead can grow up to a foot in length, and are typically a deep green color. The plant also produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are arranged in clusters and are typically about an inch in diameter.

One of the most notable features of Broad-leaved Arrowhead is its ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. It is able to grow in both fresh and saltwater environments, and can tolerate a wide range of water levels. This makes it a popular choice for use in aquatic gardens, as well as for use in naturalized wetland areas.

In addition to its ornamental value, Broad-leaved Arrowhead also has a number of medicinal properties. The plant is known to be a natural diuretic and is also used to treat a variety of ailments, including kidney and bladder issues, as well as skin conditions.

Overall, Broad-leaved Arrowhead is a versatile and attractive plant that is well-suited for use in a variety of settings. Its ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions, as well as its medicinal properties, make it a valuable addition to any garden or wetland area.

Broad-leaved Arrowhead is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and maintain. It can be propagated by dividing the root crown, or by planting the seeds. When grown in an aquatic setting, the plant prefers water that is at least 2 feet deep. It can also be grown in shallow water, but the leaves will float on the surface.

This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas that are prone to flooding. It is also a good option for naturalizing areas, such as along the edges of ponds, lakes, and streams.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal properties, Broad-leaved Arrowhead also plays an important role in the ecosystem. The plant provides food and habitat for a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. The leaves, stems, and roots of the plant are all edible and are a food source for both humans and wildlife.

If you're looking for a versatile and hardy plant that can add beauty and value to your landscape, consider adding Broad-leaved Arrowhead to your aquatic garden or naturalized wetland area. With its attractive leaves and delicate flowers, this plant will bring a touch of elegance to any setting.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal properties, Broad-leaved Arrowhead also has a number of other uses. The plant is often used in constructed wetlands to help improve water quality by removing excess nutrients and pollutants from the water. It is also commonly used in wetland restoration projects to help re-establish native plant communities.

Another important use of Broad-leaved Arrowhead is in the control of erosion. The plant's deep root system helps to hold soil in place and prevent erosion along the edges of ponds, lakes, and streams. This makes it a valuable tool in the management of shorelines, and in the protection of sensitive aquatic habitats.

In terms of cultivation, Broad-leaved Arrowhead is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and water levels. It can be propagated by dividing the root crown or by planting the seeds. It is also relatively easy to control its spread and prevent it from becoming invasive.

In summary, Broad-leaved Arrowhead is a versatile and valuable plant that offers a wide range of benefits. It is attractive, easy to care for, and can be used for ornamental, medicinal and ecological purposes. It can be used in constructed wetlands, wetland restoration projects, erosion control, and as a food source for wildlife. It's a great addition to any aquatic garden, naturalized wetland area, and for shoreline management.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map