Overview
Sagittaria latifolia is a clump forming aquatic in the genus Sagittaria, part of the Alismataceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Sagittaria latifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Sagittaria latifolia, commonly known as wapato or American arrowhead, is a clump-forming aquatic plant in the Alismataceae family. It is deciduous and typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height over 5 to 10 years. This plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers poorly-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Its season of interest is summer.
About the genus
Sagittaria is a genus of about 30 species of aquatic plants whose members are referred to by the Chinook Jargon word wapato and a variety of other common names, including arrowhead, duck potato, swamp potato, tule potato, and katniss. Most are native to South, Central, and North America, but there are also some from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sagittaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sagittaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sagittaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Sagittaria latifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sagittaria latifolia
- Propagation
- Seed, division, stolons
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sagittaria latifolia?
Sagittaria latifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sagittaria latifolia need?
Sagittaria latifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Sagittaria latifolia grow?
Sagittaria latifolia reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Sagittaria latifolia hardy in the UK?
Sagittaria latifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Sagittaria latifolia?
Seed, division, stolons.
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