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(Acorus calamus)
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-20T11:57:51-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Acorus calamus, commonly known as Sweet flag, is a herbaceous perennial that can reach up to 2 meters (79 inches) in height. Its sword-shaped leaves resemble those of the iris family but can be distinguished by their crimped edges and the fragrant odor they emit when crushed. Sweet flag is native to wetlands, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams in North America, Europe, and Asia, indicating its preference for moist to wet conditions.
The plant features a semi-erect spadix, which emerges from one side of the solid, triangular flower stem and is densely crowded with tiny greenish-yellow flowers that are sweetly fragrant. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, but only on plants that grow in water. The fruit is a berry filled with mucus, which, when ripe, falls into the water and disperses by floating. Sweet flag is valued for its aromatic foliage and is used in water gardens and as a pond plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water, preferring soils with fast to medium drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be potentially invasive outside its native range and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant features a semi-erect spadix, which emerges from one side of the solid, triangular flower stem and is densely crowded with tiny greenish-yellow flowers that are sweetly fragrant. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, but only on plants that grow in water. The fruit is a berry filled with mucus, which, when ripe, falls into the water and disperses by floating. Sweet flag is valued for its aromatic foliage and is used in water gardens and as a pond plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water, preferring soils with fast to medium drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be potentially invasive outside its native range and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
native to wetlands, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams in North America, Europe, and Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Sway, Muskrat Root, Flagroot, Beewort, Bitter Pepper Root, Flag Root, Gladdon, Myrtle Flag, Myrtle Grass, Myrtle Root
Scientific Names: , Acorus calamus, Calamus aromaticus, Acorus vulgaris, Acorus aromaticus, Calamus aromaticus oppr,
GBIF Accepted Name: Acorus calamus L.