Acorus americanus
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
What is Sweetflag?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Bright green
- Sword-shaped
- Simple
- Sweet scent when broken open
Flowers:
- Yellow-green in color
Fruit:
- Berry
Stem:
- Horizontal, underground stem
Where Does it Grow?
Sweetflag is not currently found in Texas. It can be found along shorelines and in shallow waters.
Pros and Cons of Sweetflag
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, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.