Broadleaf Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia
ABOUT
Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as broadleaf arrowhead, duck-potato, Indian potato, or wapato, is a perennial aquatic plant distinguished by its distinctive arrowhead-shaped leaves. These leaves emerge from the water or from a wet, muddy substrate, presenting themselves with a glossy texture and a rich green hue. The plant's leaves have a pronounced and characteristic triangular shape with a pair of lobes at the base, which resemble the back end of an arrow, hence the name "arrowhead." During blooming season, the broadleaf arrowhead produces small, three-petaled flowers that are typically white in color, with a yellow center. The flowers are arranged in a conspicuous whorled cluster on a tall stalk that extends above the foliage. After flowering, the plant yields an aggregate fruit that contains numerous tiny seeds, which is an important food source for wildlife. The roots of the broadleaf arrowhead are tuberous, with several nodules, and they are prized by both animals and humans for their edibility. The submerged portions of the plant exhibit a sturdy composition, with the roots anchoring firmly into the wet soil. Overall, the broadleaf arrowhead's appealing foliage, charming flowers, and ecological importance make it a notable feature of wetland areas where it naturally occurs. Its aesthetic and functional attributes contribute to its popularity both in the wild and in water garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Alismataceae.
Synonyms
Broadleaf Arrowhead, Duck Potato, Indian Potato, Wapato, Katniss.
Common names
Sagittaria latifolia var. pubescens, Sagittaria latifolia var. angustifolia, Sagittaria latifolia var. spongiosa, Sagittaria arifolia, Sagittaria variabilis, Sagittaria mohriana, Sagittaria latifolia var. lancifolia, Sagittaria latifolia var. laevis, Sagittaria latifolia var. hastata, Sagittaria latifolia var. gracilis, Sagittaria graminea var. angustifolia, Sagittaria cuspidata, Sagittaria cycloptera, Sagittaria engelmanniana, Sagittaria japonica, Sagittaria lancifolia, Sagittaria latifolia var. abbreviata, Sagittaria latifolia var. obtusa, Sagittaria macrocarpa, Sagittaria obtusa, Sagittaria rigida, Sagittaria variabilis var. gracilis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-11
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Support: Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as duck potato, provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, particularly waterfowl, which feed on its tubers.
- Edible Tubers: The plant produces edible tubers that are harvested and consumed by indigenous peoples and can be cooked much like potatoes.
- Aquatic Ecosystem Stabilization: Its robust root system helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion in aquatic environments.
- Water Quality Improvement: Duck potato can help improve water quality by absorbing nutrients and contaminants from the water.
- Landscape Aesthetics: Duck potato has attractive foliage and white flowers, making it a pleasing addition to water gardens and naturalized areas.
- Traditional Crafts: The long, linear leaves have been used by Native American tribes in basketry and other traditional crafts.
Medical Properties- Antiscorbutic: Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as broadleaf arrowhead, was traditionally used by Native Americans to prevent and treat scurvy due to its high vitamin C content.
- Demulcent: The mucilage present in the root of broadleaf arrowhead has soothing effects on the mucous membranes and may have been used to treat irritations and inflammations internally.
- Nutritive: Broadleaf arrowhead tubers are rich in starch and have been consumed as a nutrient-rich food source, which may have provided medicinal nutritional support during times of scarcity or illness.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tubers of Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as broadleaf arrowhead, can be dried and ground to make a flour substitute used in baking.
- The young shoots of broadleaf arrowhead are edible and can be prepared in similar ways to asparagus or used in salads.
- The seeds of the broadleaf arrowhead plant can be roasted and consumed as a snack or ground to be used in porridge.
- Native American tribes historically used the broadleaf arrowhead plant's fibers to make nets and mats.
- The broadleaf arrowhead's large leaves can serve as makeshift containers or plates in wilderness survival scenarios.
- The starchy tubers can be sliced and fried, much like potato chips, for a crunchy snack.
- With creative craftsmanship, the stems and leaves might be woven into decorative items or used in floral arrangements.
- The plant can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in water gardens for its attractive flowers and foliage.
- During the winter, the dried flower stalks and seed heads of broadleaf arrowhead can provide visual interest in a garden when left unharvested.
- Due to its rapid growth and ease of care, broadleaf arrowhead can be used in educational settings to teach about wetland plants and ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBroadleaf arrowhead is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBroadleaf arrowhead is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Commonly known as Broadleaf Arrowhead, Sagittaria latifolia has the ability to thrive in various aquatic environments, symbolizing the ability to adapt and survive in different conditions.
- Purification: As a water plant, Broadleaf Arrowhead plays a role in filtering and purifying the habitat it grows in, representing cleansing and the removal of impurities.
- Direction and Purpose: The distinct arrow-shaped leaves can symbolize direction, focus, and purpose, reflecting the determination to reach one's goals.
- Growth and Fertility: Broadleaf Arrowhead produces abundant seeds, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and the potential for new growth.
- Resourcefulness: Indigenous peoples have been known to use the tubers of the Broadleaf Arrowhead for food, representing resourcefulness and the ability to make use of what the environment provides.
WaterThe common name for Sagittaria latifolia is Broadleaf Arrowhead. When watering Broadleaf Arrowhead, which is typically a wetland plant, the goal is to maintain consistently moist or even wet soil conditions. This plant thrives in shallow water or boggy areas, so it's well-suited for pond margins or water gardens. Watering should approximate a natural aquatic environment, meaning the soil should not be allowed to dry out. In terms of a fixed amount of water, it could vary considerably based on the plant's location and climate, but a general guideline is to add about 1 to 2 gallons of water weekly to maintain the desired moisture level, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature conditions.
LightBroadleaf Arrowhead prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate dappled sunlight. The ideal location for Broadleaf Arrowhead would be at the edge of a pond or stream where it can receive abundant sunlight while having its roots submerged or in very moist soil.
TemperatureBroadleaf Arrowhead is adaptable to a wide range of temperature conditions and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but prefers warmer temperatures during its growing season. The ideal temperature range for growing Broadleaf Arrowhead is between 70°F and 85°F. These conditions support its vigorous growth and flowering.
PruningBroadleaf Arrowhead may require minimal pruning to remove spent flowers or dead foliage and to control its spread, as it can be quite aggressive. The best time for pruning Broadleaf Arrowhead is in late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done annually to maintain the plant's shape and to prevent it from overtaking other plants in the area.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Broadleaf Arrowhead should be loamy, fertile, and consistently moist with a pH of 6.5-7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and river sand can provide the necessary nutrients and drainage, resembling its natural wetland habitat.
RepottingBroadleaf Arrowhead rarely needs repotting as it is mostly grown in natural or artificial wetlands. If grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and manage growth.
Humidity & MistingBroadleaf Arrowhead thrives in high humidity conditions, similar to marshes and wetlands. Aim to maintain humidity levels over 60%, which is typically natural in its preferred aquatic or semi-aquatic environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow with ample water in a pot and bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in pond margins or wet soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleBroadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) typically begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in wet soil or shallow water in the spring. As seedlings develop, they grow into rosettes of broad, arrow-shaped leaves that can float on or emerge above the water surface. During the growing season, the plant sends up flower stalks with clusters of white, three-petaled flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into a head of numerous seeds that fall to the ground or into the water, disseminating for the next generation. Broadleaf arrowhead can also reproduce vegetatively through tubers, which can break off from the parent plant and grow into new individuals. The plant goes dormant in the fall, with the tubers surviving the winter to sprout again when conditions become favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as broadleaf arrowhead or duck potato, the most popular method of propagation is by dividing its tubers. This typically occurs in the spring, when the plants are beginning their active growing period. To propagate, a gardener would carefully lift a clump of the plant from the soil or sediment, ensuring to keep a good portion of the roots and tubers intact. After lifting, the tubers can be separated by gently pulling them apart, ideally leaving a few roots attached to each tuber. These separated tubers are then planted in a wet or aquatic environment, either in shallow water or in a boggy or marshy soil, where they can quickly establish and grow into new plants. The water depth should not exceed a few inches (several centimeters) to allow the young plants to thrive. This method is effective because the tubers contain energy reserves, providing a strong start for the new plants, and can result in a rapid increase in plant numbers.
