Dwarf Arctic Willow vs American Sweet Flag - TreeTime.ca

Dwarf Arctic Willow vs American Sweet Flag

Acorus americanus

Salix purpurea Nana

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Sweet Flag
Dwarf Arctic Willow

American Sweet Flag is a native perennial wetland plant found along shorelines, streams, wet meadows, and marshes. Its extensive rhizome system allows it to spread and stabilise soil, helping maintain the edges of ponds and streams. This dense growth provides cover for small animals and supports overall wetland biodiversity, while the rhizomes and seeds serve as food for small mammals and waterfowl. Cold-hardy and resilient, it is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian plantings, erosion control, and naturalization projects.

The plant grows in dense clumps with tall, sword-shaped leaves that release a citrus-like scent when bruised. The rhizomes are aromatic, with a spicy, cinnamon-like fragrance that has been used in perfumery and flavouring. In early summer, American Sweet Flag produces a distinctive floral spike (spadix), adding visual interest to wetland plantings.

Dwarf Arctic Willow is a beautiful ornamental shrub that attracts butterflies. It grows into a low dense, rounded shrub with slender purple stems. The Dwarf Arctic Willow has bluish-green foliage throughout the season and stunning when planted as an artistic hedge. Cold hardy and juglone tolerant, this shrub will make a nice addition to your urban garden.

American Sweet Flag Quick Facts

Dwarf Arctic Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - high
Suckering: high


Foliage: fragrant
Flowers: yellow floral spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: american sweetflag
Other Names: dwarf blue leaf arctic willow, dwarf purple osier, purple willow, salix purpurea gracilis