Wapato, arumleaf arrowhead

Sagittaria cuneata

Basic Information

Family: Alismataceae

Genus: sagittaria

Plant ID (slug): sagittaria-cuneata

Numeric ID: 19973

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Sagittaria cuneata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

N. America - Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south to Connecticut, Kansas, and California.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[257]. Slightly bitter raw[212], the roasted tubers are sweet-tasting[159, 161]. Those tubers found at the end of the rootstock are the best[159]. When broken off from the roots the tubers rise to the water surface and are then easily gathered[212].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Stomachic The plant has been used to treat headaches[257]. The corms have been eaten as a treatment for indigestion[257].