Sagittaria latifolia
wapato
S. latifolia is a marginal aquatic perennial with usually arrow-shaped leaves, to 30cm in length, and racemes of whorled white flowers, 4cm across, in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- S Canada to W South America
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold in the UK, or from being grown in gardens, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 9. For suggested alternative plants see the Plantlife/RHS guide: Gardening without harmful invasive plants
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by runners in summer. Alternatively, plant overwintered tubers in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Cut back in late summer and remove dead flowerheads to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Leaves may be damaged by water lily aphids
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.