Photo of Acorus gramineus foliage by Cliff

Photo by Cliff

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Acorus gramineus

Also Known As

  • Grassy-leaved Sweet Flag
  • Japanese Sweet Flag

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, grass / grass like, aquatic

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 12"-36"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

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Acorus gramineus plant details

Acorus gramineus is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover aquatic grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer chocolate and tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay and rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acorus gramineus

Plant type: perennial groundcover aquatic grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: acoraceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 36 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate and tan blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, rock garden, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acorus gramineus

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: standing water - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay and rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Though not actually a grass or sedge, this diminutive grasslike perennial resembles the ornamental grasses enough to be included here. Grown primarily for its foliage, sweet flag grows best in moist, boggy soils in full sun along the coast or part shade elsewhere. If grown in shallow water, plants may produce occasional spathe-type blooms, though these are rare and generally insignificant. The following form upright clumps of narrow, iris-like leaves that grow 6-12? tall and spread slowly by rhizomes. Mass in containers or along walkways or streamsides for a delicate, showy effect. The roots and rhizomes have long been used as a source of perfume, and the foliage emits a fragrant aroma when bruised or crushed. Hardy to 0F. Japan.
This iris-looking perennial favors boggy or rich, well-irrigated soil, such as pond edges. The semievergreen narrow leaves of Japanese sweet flag are 1/2" wide, and about 6 - 12" long. Plants grow into large clumps from slowly spreading rhizomes. Inconspicuous flowers.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Acorus gramineus plant

How to Grow Acorus gramineus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • tan
    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Acorus for your garden

aka Acorus gramineus 'Pusillus Aurea', Acorus gramineus 'Pusillus Minimus Aurea', Dwarf Golden Sweet Flag, Dwarf Golden Sweet Flag, Grassy Leaved Sweet Flag, Pusillus Aurea Dwarf Sweet Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

5a-11

Size

Height: 3"-5"

Width: 6"-12"

  • mostly sun - shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus' foliage by Little Prince of Oregon
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aka Acorus gracillima 'Variegata', Grassleaf Sweet Flag, Grassy-leaved Sweet Flag, Variegated Sweet Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

5a-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 6"-24"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
View Plant

aka Variegated Sweet Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 10"-12"

Width: 6"-18"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' foliage by Avant Gardens
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aka Acorus calamus 'Variegatus', Acorus calamus variegatus, Striped Sweet Flag, Variegated Sweet Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Acorus calamus 'Argenteostriatus' by Patricia Cunningham
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More Options

aka Grassy-leaved Sweet Flag, Oborozuki Sweet Flag

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Acorus gramineus 'Oborozuki' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
View Plant

More Options

+12 more Acorus
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