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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

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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.

By: Prairie Nursery

Plant above water line

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Garden photo gallery of Acorus calamus

Photo of Acorus calamus foliage by J.F. Gaffard

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By: J.F. Gaffard

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Photo of Acorus calamus flower by Prairie Nursery

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By: Prairie Nursery

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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

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Acorus for your garden

Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus'

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