Sagittaria sagittifolia
Old World arrowhead
Arrowhead, named after the shape of its emergent leaves, is a perennial . Its floating leaves are oval. Flowering stems reach 80cm in height.Flowers are borne on these spikes in July and August. Each is about 3cm across and has three white petals with purple at the base
Other common names
arrowheadcommon arrow leaf
see morecommon arrowhead
swamp potato
swan potato
water archer
Synonyms
Sagittaria japonica
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Sagittaria can be marginal or submerged aquatic, tuberous perennials or annuals, with linear, lance-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves and panicles of 3-petalled white flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in sun or semi-shade, in deep mud and up to 20cm of slow or still, fresh water. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division or by stolons
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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