Acorus americanus

Sweetflag

Acorus americanus is a hardy perennial swamp or bog plant with sweet, spicy-scented leaves. Spadix like flowers appear in June and July, followed by dark berries. Found at water's edge from Nova Scotia to Virginia to Washington to Alaska. Great for stabilizing pond edges or filling a boggy area.

Bloom Color

Wheat

Interesting Notes

Acorus amercanus can be distinguished from the European A. calamus quite easily. Acorus calamus has a single distinct mid rib, while A. americanus has several indistinct ribs. A. calamus has naturalized over much of the US and in many areas is more common.

North American Distribution Map

Acorus americanus was used extensivly by Native Americans and Early Settlers and has long been known for its medicinal value. The rhizomes of this plant were used as a substitute for ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg and were also sought after by perfumeries.

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow Sweetflag in moist to wet soils in full sun or bright shade. It is a vigorous spreader in wet soils and works well for retaining soil at the edge of a stream or pond. Tolerates periods of dry, but its appearance may suffer in long droughts.

Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes

•	Pond Edge
•	Native to US
•	Meadow
•	Detention Basin
•	Moist Sun
•	Stream Edge
•	Bog
•	Open Pollinated
•	Native to Northeast
•	Mass Planting
•	Wetlands
•	Cut Flower

Critter Resistance

•	Deer Resistant

Exposure

•	Part Sun
•	Sun
•	Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
•	Full sun to part shade

Growth Rate

•

Fast

Season of Interest (Foliage)

•	Summer
•	Early Spring
•	Late Summer
•	Late Spring / Early Summer
•	Fall

Soil Moisture Needs

•	Wet
•	Moist