Family: Alismataceae
midwestern arrow-head, short-beaked arrow-head
[Sagittaria engelmanniana subsp. brevirostra J.G.Sm.]
from USDA Plants website
Paul L. Redfearn, Jr.
Etymology: Sagittaria: from Latin sagitta, "arrow," because of the leaf shape
Plants: erect or floating, perennial, emergent aquatic
Leaves: arrow-shaped, long stalks corrugated in cross-section
Flowers: white, 3-parted, 1/2"-1 1/3" wide; inflorescence of 5-12 whorls of flowers with long bracts, stalk usually 1-angled and unbranched; most upper flowers male, lower female; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry, flattened and winged seed with an erect beak
Habitat: shallow water, swamps, ponds
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect or floating, perennial, emergent aquatic
Leaves: arrow-shaped, long stalks corrugated in cross-section
Flowers: white, 3-parted, 1/2"-1 1/3" wide; inflorescence of 5-12 whorls of flowers with long bracts, stalk usually 1-angled and unbranched; most upper flowers male, lower female; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry, flattened and winged seed with an erect beak
Habitat: shallow water, swamps, ponds
Conservation Status: Native
Emergent aquatic herb of shorelines and near shore zones of streams, backwaters and marshes. Found in areas that are or were formerly prairie biome.
Rare statewide but locally frequent in the southwestern part of the state. There is a general tendency for the lateral (basal) lobes of the leaf to be equal to or longer than the central portion of the blade (vs. shorter than or subequal to in S. latifolia and S. cuneata), but this characteristic alone should never be relied upon for identification. Instead, look for flat, persistent, 15--30 (70) mm long, lanceolate, attenuate bracts at the base of each inflorescence whorl. Achene resin gland absent.
Rare statewide but locally frequent in the southwestern part of the state. There is a general tendency for the lateral (basal) lobes of the leaf to be equal to or longer than the central portion of the blade (vs. shorter than or subequal to in S. latifolia and S. cuneata), but this characteristic alone should never be relied upon for identification. Instead, look for flat, persistent, 15--30 (70) mm long, lanceolate, attenuate bracts at the base of each inflorescence whorl. Achene resin gland absent.
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Paul L. Redfearn, Jr.