Photo of Acorus calamus foliage by J.F. Gaffard

Photo by J.F. Gaffard

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Acorus calamus

Also Known As

  • Variegated Sweet Flag

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

  • H: 1'-4'
  • W: 1'-4'

planting zones

  • 3a-10b

More Options

Acorus calamus plant details

Acorus calamus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic with green foliage. In spring bronze flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - regular water. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty and rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acorus calamus

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: acoraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 4 FT - wide, 1 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: bronze blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acorus calamus

USDA Zones: 3a - 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, gritty and rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Glossy, sweet-scented leaves give this plant its name. Sweet Flag makes a great wetland foliage plant for pond edges, stream banks and in soggy soils. Other common names: Calamus Root, Flag Root, Muskrat Root, Sweet Calomel, and Sweet Sedge. Zones 3 - 7.
Plant above water line

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Acorus calamus plant

How to Grow Acorus calamus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • average
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • bronze
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

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