Short-beaked Arrowhead

About Short-beaked Arrowhead

Short-beaked Arrowhead is a distinctive aquatic perennial that brings elegant form to the water's edge. Named for its iconic arrow-shaped leaves and relatively short fruiting 'beaks,' this plant produces lovely three-petaled white flowers arranged in whorls along an upright stalk. Blooming from June through September, it typically reaches a height of 1 to 2.5 feet. This species is native to the central and eastern United States, where it thrives in the shallow waters of marshes, pond margins, and slow-moving streams. Ecologically, it is a powerhouse, providing nursery habitat for fish and producing nutritious tubers and seeds that are highly valued by waterfowl. Short-beaked Arrowhead requires wet conditions and performs best in full to partial sun. It is an ideal choice for water gardens or bioswales, where its striking foliage and delicate blooms can provide both beauty and essential ecosystem services.