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Sagittaria sagittifolia
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Old World arrowhead

Arrowhead, named after the shape of its emergent leaves, is a perennial . Its floating leaves are oval. Flowering stems reach 80cm in height.Flowers are borne on these spikes in July and August. Each is about 3cm across and has three white petals with purple at the base

Other common names
arrowhead
common arrow leaf
see morecommon arrowhead
swamp potato
swan potato
water archer
Synonyms
Sagittaria japonica
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Alismataceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Eurasia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in sun or semi-shade, in deep mud and up to 20cm of slow or still, fresh water. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division or by stolons

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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