Broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
Grow Broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), a striking marginal aquatic perennial ideal for pond edges and rain gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as Broadleaf arrowhead, is a visually distinctive marginal aquatic perennial native to eastern and central North America. This vigorous plant is instantly recognizable by its unique, distinctly arrowhead-shaped leaves that rise above the water or mud margins. Gardeners value Sagittaria latifolia for its ability to thrive in continually wet environments while providing elegant structure to water features.
Flowering occurs from mid-summer into early fall, featuring lovely white, three-petaled flowers displayed atop tall stalks. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Broadleaf arrowhead serves a valuable ecological role; its tubers, historically known as wapato or duck potato, are an important food source for waterfowl. This makes planting Sagittaria latifolia a functional choice for naturalizing pond edges or enriching rain garden ecosystems.
Being a hardy perennial in zones 5 through 10, Broadleaf arrowhead is relatively easy to incorporate into constructed or natural wetlands, provided its requirement for plentiful moisture and full sun is met. Its robust rhizomes allow it to naturalize readily, colonizing wet soils effectively.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Alismataceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Eastern and central North America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-4 ft
- Spread: 1-3 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The best time to establish Sagittaria latifolia is in the spring. Plant tubers, runners, or young plants directly into the mud at the margins of a pond, or place containers in shallow water, ensuring the root zone receives up to 6 to 12 inches of water. If starting from seed, sow in spring or fall directly into containers set in shallow water dishes. This aquatic perennial demands full sun exposure for vigorous growth and the best flowering displays.
Maintenance is rated as medium. Water needs are high; Sagittaria latifolia requires consistently wet conditions, thriving in boggy soil or shallow standing water. No specific fertilizing is usually necessary if grown in its native muddy habitat, as excess nutrients can promote algae growth.
Deadhead spent flowers promptly to control its tendency to self-seed freely and naturalize aggressively. Over time, this plant will spread via underground rhizomes, creating dense colonies. In colder zones (5-7), the tubers remain hardy beneath the water line, requiring no special winter protection as long as the mud does not freeze solid to the bottom.
Landscape Uses
Broadleaf arrowhead excels in areas where water pools or flows consistently. It is an ideal Water Plant, anchoring the shallow edges of ponds, streams, or constructed water gardens where it can anchor the transition zone between land and water. Due to its vigorous nature, it is fantastic for Naturalize settings where you wish to create a native wetland appearance.
Furthermore, Sagittaria latifolia proves highly effective when integrated into Rain Garden designs. Its need for constant moisture makes it perfect for the lowest point of a rain garden basin, where it can manage runoff while providing vertical structure. Consider pairing it with other moisture-loving, sun-loving species like Iris or Milkweed varieties tolerant of saturated soils.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sagittaria latifolia, commonly called arrowhead, duck potato or wapato, is a vigorous, deciduous, marginal aquatic perennial that typically grows 1-4’ tall. It is noted for its arrowhead-shaped leaves and three-petaled white flowers in whorls of three, appearing from July to September. The tubers that form on the runners are starchy, edible, and gave rise to the nickname duck potato, as they are a food source for waterfowl.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
This plant generally experiences no serious insect or disease problems when grown in its ideal saturated environment. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for occasional light infestations of spider mites or aphids, especially on emergent foliage during hot, dry spells (which should be rare given its water needs). Promptly deadheading flowers helps manage its vigorous self-seeding habit, preventing unwanted encroachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Broadleaf arrowhead suitable for?
Sagittaria latifolia is well-suited for USDA Zones 5 through 10, offering dependable perennial survival across a wide range of climates when wet conditions are maintained.
How large does Broadleaf arrowhead grow?
This aquatic perennial typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 4 feet, with a spread of 1 to 3 feet as it colonizes the mud via rhizomes.
What sun exposure does Broadleaf arrowhead need?
For optimal flowering and robust structure, Broadleaf arrowhead requires full sun exposure throughout the growing season.
When does Broadleaf arrowhead bloom?
The white, three-petaled flowers of Sagittaria latifolia are generally visible blooming freely from July right through September.
Conclusion
The Broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) offers essential structural beauty and critical ecological value to any saturated landscape, especially pond margins and renovated wetlands. Its signature arrow-shaped foliage and summer white blooms are highly appealing. Before planting, confirm that your location can consistently provide the full sun and wet soil required for this versatile North American native.
Companion Planting
When establishing Sagittaria latifolia, select companions that share its strong preference for standing water or constantly saturated soil and full sunlight. Good neighbors include other upright marginal plants such as Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), which offers contrasting blue flowers, or various native rushes and sedges which add fine texture. Ensure companions do not shade the base of the arrowhead, as maintaining adequate sunlight penetration is crucial for tuber health.
Wildlife Benefits
The ecosystem services provided by Broadleaf arrowhead are significant, especially concerning avian wildlife. The starchy, golfball-sized tubers (wapato) are highly nutritious and form a crucial food base for ducks and other waterbirds throughout the winter months, hence the common name ‘duck potato.’ Additionally, the flowers provide nectar for various beneficial insects, and the dense colonies offer excellent shallow-water cover for amphibians and small aquatic life.
