American Sweet Flag vs Seaside Arrowgrass - TreeTime.ca

American Sweet Flag vs Seaside Arrowgrass

Acorus americanus

Triglochin maritima

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

American Sweet Flag
Seaside Arrowgrass

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.

Seaside Arrowgrass is a native perennial commonly found in wetlands, salt marshes, and moist meadows. It is especially suitable for difficult growing sites. Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, while also providing food, cover, and habitat for small animals within the wetland community.

Seaside Arrowgrass is suitable for shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and naturalization projects.

American Sweet Flag Quick Facts

Seaside Arrowgrass Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - high
Spreading: rhizomes-low, seeds-low


Toxicity: can be toxic to humans and livestock
Foliage: fragrant
Flowers: yellow floral spike
Flowers: very small, pinkish-white, hair like
Bloom time: spring to summer
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: american sweetflag
Other Names: common arrowgrass, common bog arrowgrass, shore arrowgrass