Bull-tongue Arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia) is a flowering perennial native to the southeastern United States. It’s commonly found in swamps, ditches, around lakes and streams, and in other shallow-water habitats and acts as a vital link in swampland ecosystems. The bull-tongue Arrowhead disappears in the winter but erupts from the soil again in the spring.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Sagittaria lancifolia, the bulltongue arrowhead, is a New World perennial, monocot plant in the family Alismataceae, genus Sagittaria, with herbaceous growth patterns.
A common name is “duck potato” because of the large potato-like corms which can form underground.
The species is native to the southeastern United States. It is known from every coastal state from Delaware to Texas. It is also considered native to Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and northern South America. It has become naturalized on the Island of Java in Indonesia.
The leaves of bull-tongue Arrowhead are dark green and arrow-shaped, characterized by a lanceolate form (44-58 cm; 1.4-1.9 feet) with long petioles. Leaf blades range from linear to ovate or elliptic, measuring 0.7-16 cm (0.3-6.3 inches) in width, with a prominent thick midrib. Their morphology and length can vary based on the phosphorus levels in the soil, making them potential indicators of nutrient availability.
The flowers of bull-tongue Arrowhead are showy and white, each with three petals and yellow centers. The immersed inflorescence is a raceme with 6 to 13 whorls, each containing white flowers in groups of three. Each flower measures approximately 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) wide. There are three sepals, which are recurved to spreading in staminate flowers and do not enclose the flower or fruit head. Bracts are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, acute to acuminate at the apex, and range from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm).
The fruit of bull-tongue Arrowhead is a collection of brown achenes, each uniquely obovoid to oval in shape, and measuring approximately 1.5 to 2.7 mm (0.06 to 0.11 inches) in length and 1.22 mm (0.048 inches) in width. These small, beaked achenes possess a flat, winged contour with a distinct grooved surface. This texture plays a key role in aiding their buoyancy, allowing them to float effectively on water. The color and grooved, winged design are notable identification features for these fruits.
Sagittaria lancifolia reproduces both asexually through spreading rhizomes and sexually through reproduction of copious achenes, a dry fruit each of which carries a single seed. The achenes are dispersed through animal vectors and through hydrochory (dispersal through wind, water, or gravity). The achenes germinate only under light, and with or without available fluid, but the period of their germination is shorter when they are submersed in water. Temperature is a factor, with 100% germination occurring at 20 °C (68 °F). Germination is reduced in anaerobic conditions. Growth is also dependent on temperature.
II. How to Grow and Care
Bull-tongue Arrowhead thrives in wetland environments, indicating a preference for consistent moisture and potentially standing water. An essential care point is ensuring the soil remains wet, as bull-tongue Arrowhead is naturally adapted to swampy conditions. The species may also require partial to full sunlight to flourish properly. As such, bull-tongue Arrowhead is typically considered easy to care for, especially for those familiar with aquatic or semi-aquatic plant maintenance.
Sunlight and Soil
Bulltongue arrowhead performs best in full sun in clay-loam, sandy to mucky, moist to wet soils.
Watering
Native to swampy areas and wetlands, bull-tongue Arrowhead thrives in environments with high moisture levels and can tolerate brief periods of flooding. Its water habits are characterized by a preference for consistent hydration. For optimal growth, bull-tongue Arrowhead should be watered twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. As an aquatic perennial commonly grown outdoors, bull-tongue Arrowhead’s ability to adapt to fluctuating water levels makes it ideal for rain gardens or naturalized pond margins where its seasonal growth cycles align with varying rainfall patterns.
Pruning
Cut back in late summer and remove dead flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
Bull-tongue Arrowhead, a wetland-adapted perennial, thrives in aquatic or boggy soil conditions. Propagation is most effectively achieved through division, where gardeners should gently separate the rhizomes to create new plants. When handling the delicate roots, care is paramount to prevent damage and to encourage successful establishment in similar wet environments. It’s vital to maintain high moisture levels post-transplant to promote growth.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant bull-tongue Arrowhead is during the vernal rejuvenation, when warming temperatures encourage root establishment. Select a sunny, moist location. A gentle touch aids survival, so handle with sincere care for thriving growth.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
- Ornamental uses
Bulltongue arrowhead is a beautiful addition to bogs or pond areas, water gardens.
Vigorous, Sagittaria latifolia is often selected for pond restorations as it self-seeds readily and takes over whatever aquatic space is available
- Other uses
Loved by ducks, snapping turtles or muskrats, its underground tubers are edible, and may be boiled or baked like potatoes. Native Americans harvested and consumed these tubers, and Wapato was one of the names given to them.