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Arumleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria cuneata

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium-Wet
Bloom time
Jul–Sep
Bloom color
White

About Arumleaf Arrowhead

Arumleaf Arrowhead, also known as Duck Potato, is a fascinating aquatic native that adapts beautifully to fluctuating water levels. This perennial is recognized by its arrowhead-shaped leaves, which can vary in form—sometimes even being ribbon-like if submerged. In late summer, from July to September, it sends up stalks of delicate white flowers with yellow centers, reaching about 1 to 2 feet in height. Native across much of North America, it is a staple of wetlands, lakeshores, and quiet river reaches. The plant's common name refers to its starchy underground tubers, which are a vital food source for ducks, muskrats, and were historically harvested by Indigenous peoples. Arumleaf Arrowhead thrives in full sun and saturated soils or shallow water. It is a resilient and attractive addition to any pond or wetland restoration, offering both visual interest and significant wildlife support.

Native range

Native to 33 states:

AlaskaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasMassachusettsMaineMichiganMinnesotaMontanaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNevadaNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTexasUtahVermontWashingtonWisconsinWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Sagittaria cuneata

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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