American Sweetflag (Acorus americanus)
ah-KOR-us ah-mer-ih-KAY-nus

Deciduous Perennial in the Acoraceae Family
 

Acorus americanus, also known as the American sweetflag, is an interesting native aquatic plant. Here are the key details about this species:

The American sweetflag is a wetland plant that is native to the eastern and central regions of North America. It is closely related to the more widely known Acorus calamus, or common sweetflag, but is considered a distinct species.

Acorus americanus is a herbaceous perennial that grows best in moist, boggy soils or on the margins of ponds, streams, and other water bodies. Its long, sword-shaped leaves can reach 2-3 feet in height, emerging from a creeping, rhizomatous base. The leaves have a distinctive sweet, grass-like aroma when crushed.

In late spring to early summer, the plant produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers on tall, erect stalks that rise above the foliage. These develop into small, berry-like fruits.

The American sweetflag is valued for its ornamental qualities, as well as its traditional uses. The aromatic leaves and rhizomes have been used historically in herbal medicine and as a flavoring. It also provides food and habitat for various wetland wildlife.

This native Acorus species is a good choice for planting in rain gardens, pond edges, or other moist landscape settings. Its bold, grass-like leaves and unique flowering spikes make it an interesting addition to wetland gardens and naturalized areas.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 24 - 36 inches tall. 18 - 24 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet: Consistently moist to saturated
Zones 5a - 9a (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Sun, Grasses, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Wet, Wet Site Tolerant, Yellow Foliage
 

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Pricing and Availability History

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We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

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