lanceleaf arrowhead

Sagittaria lancifolia

The lanceleaf arrowhead is a fun plant with long, pointy leaves that look like arrows! It grows in wet places and has pretty white flowers that attract butterflies and bees.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The lanceleaf arrowhead has long, sturdy, dark green leaves that are distinctly lance-shaped and emerge prominently from the water. Its tall stalks bear clusters of delicate white flowers, each with three rounded petals and a bright yellow center, arranged in whorls.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyAlismataceaeGenusSagittaria

lanceleaf arrowhead

Interesting facts

Despite its name, its leaves look more like long spears than typical arrowheads!

Its scientific name, Sagittaria, actually means 'arrow-bearer' in Latin, even though its leaves are lance-shaped.

Its starchy underground tubers were once a delicious and vital food for many Native American tribes.

This plant's roots help clean water and provide shelter for tiny aquatic creatures.

Special abilities

Lanceleaf arrowhead can store energy in starchy tubers underground, helping it survive winter and regrow in spring.

Its sturdy leaves emerge above the water, allowing it to easily breathe air even when its roots are submerged.

Lanceleaf arrowhead can thrive in constantly changing water levels, adapting to both shallow and slightly deeper wetland environments.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-150 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

eats its seeds and starchy tubers

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

forages on its seeds and underground tubers

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

visits its white flowers for nectar and pollen

eaten by

Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

may consume its tender roots and tubers

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Grass-Like

Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Medicinal

Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.