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Sagittaria lancifolia ssp. media
Sagittaria lancifolia L. ssp. media (Micheli) Bogin
Bulltongue Arrowhead, Scythe-fruit Arrowhead
Alismataceae (Water-Plantain Family)
Synonym(s): Sagittaria falcata, Sagittaria lancifolia var. media
USDA Symbol: SALAM2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The genus gets its name from the arrow-shaped leaves of some species, though the leaves of S. lancifolia ssp. media are long and narrow. The flowers are quite distinctive, with 3 green sepals and 3 white petals, 1/4-1/2 inch long. The pistils often are flattened and form a tight, round green center. One or more species of Sagittaria can be found in ponds, swamps, muddy shallows, lazy streams, or even roadside ditches. The 3-petaled white flowers and the swampy locations are good clues to their identity. It is very difficult to distinguish one species from another.
Members of the Water-Plantain Family grow in water, in swamps, on muddy banks, or occasionally in wet sand. Each plant has long-petioled leaves in a clump with a flowering stem rising among them. The flowers have 3 green sepals, 3 white or pink-tinged petals, 6 or more stamens, and several pistils. Stamens and pistils may be in separate flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Bloom Notes: White, rarely pink tinged.
Distribution
USA: AL , DE , FL , GA , LA , MD , MS , NC , OK , SC , TX , VANative Habitat: Mud, marshes, and shallow water throughout southeast and east Texas.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Conditions Comments: Good for wetland gardens and habitat.
Benefit
Use Food: The tubers and young shoots which grow in the mud are said to have been a staple food of the Indians. Early settlers called them duck potatoes because they are a favorite food of ducks.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: High
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. LoughmillerSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Sagittaria lancifolia ssp. media in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Sagittaria lancifolia ssp. media in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sagittaria lancifolia ssp. media
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-27Research By: NPC