Sagittaria latifolia (Duck Potato)

A confirmed obligate wetland species valued as much for wildlife as for restoration work, duck potato's underground tubers are documented as a preferred food source for at least fifteen species of ducks and snapping turtles - living up to its common name in the most literal way possible.

Species Overview

Sagittaria latifolia, commonly called duck potato or broadleaf arrowhead, is a vigorous aquatic perennial native to wetlands and shallow waters across North America, typically growing 2 to 4 feet tall. Its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and small white three-petaled flowers rise from shallow water or wet muddy banks, with tuberous roots that were historically an important Indigenous food source.

Application

• Water garden and pond specimen plantings
• Wetland restoration - confirmed obligate wetland species
• Waterfowl-priority plantings - tubers feed 15+ duck species and snapping turtles
• Water quality improvement and habitat plantings in shallow water

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet, shallow water or wet muddy banks
• Plant Type: Forb (aquatic)
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: White; July-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: OBL (Obligate Wetland)
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Aquatic/Saturated
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.) (tuber-forming aquatic, rooted in mud substrate rather than soil depth)
• Salinity Tolerance: None
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: None
• Deer Resistance: Some (tubers are a documented food source for waterfowl and muskrat, though not typically browsed by deer)
• Flood Tolerance: High - A true emergent aquatic species; appears on a formal wetland plant reference list, consistent with this species' already-confirmed shade-intolerant, standing-water habitat from earlier work.
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant - cannot grow in shade
• Growth Habit: Spreading - colony-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees

Planting Guidance

• Dies back completely in winter, resprouting from underground tubers each season. Colonizes readily by spreading rhizomes as well as self-seeding.