Plant Calculator
Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Acorus americanus you will need.
Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions. We encourage you to call us at 877-ECO-PLUG for project specific recommendations and further assistance.
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.
Wetland Indicator Status
| • | Obligate Wetland (OBL) |
Plug Type
| • | Landscape Plug™ |
For Animals
| • | Deer Resistant |
Attributes
| • | Native to North America |
Season of Interest (Flowering)
| • | Late Spring / Early Summer |
Propagation Type
| • | Open pollinated |
Grass Type
| • | Cool Season |
Additional Information about Acorus americanus
Acorus americanus is a wetland perennial with broad blade-like foliage resembling that of Iris versicolor or Typha angustifolia. It can be identified easily by breaking the foliage, which is uniquely aromatic. Acorus americanus can be distinguished from the European Acorus calamus by the several indistinct ribs in its foliage. By contrast, Acorus calamus has a single distinct mid rib.
Acorus americanus is typically found in the shallow waters and shorelines of wetlands across northern North America, as far south as Virginia.
In our trials, Acorus americanus has proved itself as an excellent erosion control species for the edges of our bioretention basin and ponds. It forms colonies by spreading rhizomatously, providing effective soil stabilization and dense cover for wildlife. It also thrives in the wet zone of our bioswales, where it experiences occasional inundation. Its aromatic foliage makes it an ideal plant for sites with deer pressure.
According to the USDA, DNA evidence now supports the theory that Acorus is the oldest surviving genus in the monocots.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Acorus americanus
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.