A water plant with very ornamental, arrowhead-shaped leaves. In fertile soil the plants grow rapidly, producing many leaves on a short stalk. Plants spread by underground runners, sending up new plants 18 to 30 inches from the parent. White flowers appear late in the season. The tubers are edible. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Broadleaved Arrowhead; Duck Potato
Sagittaria latifolia
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Wetland
Season of Interest:
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Wet, Aquatic
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
18 to
30
inches
Spread:
30 to
60
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
30
inches
Spread: 30 to
60
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
30
inches
Spread: 30 to
60
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Wildlife eat the seeds and leaves. Plant around pond edges. Use in wet rain gardens, containers, and water gardens.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers standing water, but also handles wet soil for extended periods. If grown in containers, clean out the container in spring and replant only one potato or plant.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers, Edible, Rainscaping, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.