Etymology: Sagittaria: from Latin sagitta, "arrow," because of the leaf shape
Plants: erect or floating, perennial, emergent aquatic, 4"-24" tall
Leaves: usually broadly lance-shaped, sometimes with small lobes at the base
Flowers: white, 3-parted, 1/2"-1" wide; inflorescence of 2-8 whorls of flowers with 1 unbranched stalk usually shorter than the leaves and bending at the lowest node; upper male flowers large and stalked, lower female flowers smaller and stalkless; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: dry, flattened, winged, stalkless seed with angled, long beak,
Habitat: swamps, shallow water
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos