Awl-Leaf Arrowhead

(Sagittaria subulata)

Awl-Leaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria subulata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sagittaria subulata, commonly known as Awl-Leaf Arrowhead, is an aquatic perennial herb that thrives in shallow waters and wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of ponds and streams. It is native to a wide range of wetland habitats along the US coast from Massachusetts to Louisiana, as well as freshwater environments in Colombia and Venezuela. This species typically reaches up to 16 inches in height and features both submersed and floating leaves, which are narrow and pointed, resembling an awl. The plant produces small, white, three-petaled flowers during the summer months, which are modest in appearance but can add a delicate charm to water gardens.

Awl-Leaf Arrowhead is valued for its ability to naturalize in water gardens and provide habitat for aquatic wildlife. It is often used in pond margins, water features, and as a ground cover in wet areas. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist or submerged soil conditions. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can spread quickly and may need to be managed to prevent it from overtaking smaller plants in the vicinity.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High, Aquatic
  • Drainage: Standing

Common Uses

Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to shallow waters and wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of ponds and streams in the US coast from Massachusetts to Louisiana, as well as freshwater environments in Colombia and Venezuela

Other Names

Common Names: Dwarf Sagittaria, Awl-Leaf Arrowhead, Narrow-Leaf Arrowhead, Arrowhead

Scientific Names: , Sagittaria subulata, Alisma subulatum, Damasonium subulatum, Echinodorus subulatus, Sagittaria lorata, Sagittaria loricata, Sagittaria natans var. lorata, Sagittaria natans var. lorata, Sagittaria natans var. pusilla

GBIF Accepted Name: