Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia
Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Alismataceae family, native to Europe to temperate Asia. It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Arrowhead at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: tubers (cooked) |
| Native to | Europe to temperate Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Arrowhead toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
- Parts: raw tubers
The tubers are bitter raw and are eaten only after cooking.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Arrowhead
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Arrowhead
- How far apart should I plant Arrowhead?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Arrowhead need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Arrowhead need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Arrowhead?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Arrowhead flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Arrowhead poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people mildly toxic. The tubers are bitter raw and are eaten only after cooking.
- What grows well with Arrowhead?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Arrowhead. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- A marginal: it stands in shallow water at the edge of a pond or in wet mud; divide clumps every few years.
- Three kinds of leaf on one plant: ribbons under water, floating ovals, and sharp arrowheads held above it, with whorls of white flowers with a purple spot. It overwinters as small tubers in the mud.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus