Sagittaria montevidensis
Non-Native
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
What is Giant Arrowhead?
Physical Characteristics
- Only early stages completely submersed
Leaves:
- Erect-spreading
- Usually with stout standing leaf stalks
- Blades widely oval-shaped
- Shaped like an arrowhead
- 8+ inches & wide
Flowers:
- Usually have a ring of stamen
- Oval-shaped sepals
- Curves inward
- About 0.5 inches long
- Covers most of the fruiting head
Fruit:
- One seeded
- Does not open to release seed when ripe
- Wedge- or oval- shaped
- Up to 0.09 inches long & 0.02 inches wide
Stem:
- Straight
- Up to 5.75 feet tall
- Simple or occasionally branching
- Up to 10 whorls
- Oval- or sword-shaped
Where Does it Grow?
Non-Native
Giant arrowhead can be found in swamps, lakes and ponds.
Pros and Cons of Arrowhead
This plant is not native to North America, but has naturalized in much of the United States. While it is not illegal to possess this plant in Texas, it should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.