Arum-leaved Arrowhead
Arum-leaved arrowhead (Sagittaria cuneata) is an aquatic perennial that grows from tuberous rhizomes.
- A similar and larger species is Sagittaria latifolia, which is sometimes called wapato.
- Arumleaf or arum-leaved arrowhead usually grows in slow-moving or stagnant water in shallow bays.
- Although the leaves are variable in shape, they are generally sagittate (arrow-shaped)
- A rosette of toothless, hairless basal leaves forms around the flowering stems.
- Submerged leaves tend to be longer and ribbon-like.
- Stems have both male (higher) and female flowers (lower).
- The flowers have 3 green sepals, 3 white petals, 6 or more stamens, and several pistils. Stamens and pistils may be in separate flowers.
- The male flowers have rings of yellow stamens at the centers. Each female flower has a spherical cluster of pistils which develops into a group of tiny fruits. Flowering time is in the summer.
- All photos taken by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view.
- Small globes of fruits develop after flowering season is over.
- The below-water tubers/corms were eaten by Indigenous groups across the continent.
- Muskrats and beavers harvest them as a winter food.
- Other names include swamp potato, narrowleaf arrowhead, and duck potato.
- It is a member of the water plantain family (Alismataceae).
We can spot this plant in local lakes including Scuitto Lake, Roche Lake, Bleeker Lake, Glimpse Lake, and Vidette Lake.