Acorus americanus Sweetflag
General
Formerly classified as Acorus calsmus. Sweetflag is an obligate wetland plant found on shore edges and shallow water (up to 18" deep), with tall, lance-like blades and a sweet cinnamon-like fragrance when crushed. Spreads by rhizomes and can form colonies. Builds a dense root system which provides good erosion control.
Plant Description
Sweetflag grows in clusters on shore edges, with the lance-like leaves growing to four feet tall. The flowering structure is a spadix (a finger-like protrusion.) Flowers are green and brown rounded spathes, each a few inches long, which grow from the middle of the plant.
Height (ft)
2-4'
Soil moisture
Moist to wet
Soil types
Fine to Medium texture, muddy soils
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Green, Yellow
Bloom period
Late Spring to early Summer
Drought tolerance
None
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Northeastern United States, from Maine west to Minnesota and South Dakota, and south to New York, with isolated populations in Idaho.
Additional Information
According to the Native Plant Trust, it is highly probable that Native Americans played a large part in distributing this species as this plant was used for ceremonial and trading purposes. The rhizome of this plant is used to treat nausea, heartburn, colds, fatigue and anxiety.