Common Arrowhead

About Common Arrowhead

Common Arrowhead is one of the most iconic native aquatic plants, celebrated for its bold, broad arrowhead-shaped leaves and pristine white blossoms. This vigorous perennial produces striking whorls of three-petaled flowers from July through September, typically standing two to four feet tall, though it can reach nearly five feet in ideal conditions. Widely distributed across North America, it is a dominant presence in marshes, swamps, and along the edges of lakes and ponds. The ecological value of Common Arrowhead is immense; its dense colonies provide vital shelter for aquatic life, while its nutrient-rich tubers are a legendary food source for waterfowl—earning it the historical nickname 'Wapato.' It is remarkably easy to establish in wet soils or shallow water under full to partial sun. Whether used for shoreline stabilization or as a structural centerpiece in a backyard water feature, Common Arrowhead offers a perfect blend of architectural beauty and high-impact wildlife benefit.