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Plant
Identification
Bull Tongue
 Description Management
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Sagittaria
lancifolia
Bull tongue is a member of
the arrowhead family. Bull tongue can grow in shallow water or in wet
areas. Leaves grow in clusters from the base and can reach a height
of over 4 feet. Leaves are lance-shaped to 4 inches wide and 16 inches
long. Leaf petioles are long, often spongy and have a milky-like fluid
if crushed. Rhizomes are present. Flowers are borne on separate stalks
above the water in whorls of three around the stalk, white with three
petals. Arrowheads spread rapidly by seed and extensive rhizomes. Bull
tongue can be distinguished from other arrowheads by the size and shape
of its leaves.
Submerged portions of
all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro
invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by
fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles,.
duck, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by
bacteria and fungi provides food (called "detritus") for many aquatic invertebrates. The tubers of arrowheads are prized foods by ducks, geese, muskrats, and nutria. Seeds are sometimes consumed by ducks.
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" indicates Non-Native plants.