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Sweet Flag

Acorus Calamus

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Overview

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) is a perennial marsh plant featuring sword-shaped leaves and a fragrant, spicy aroma. It typically grows 2-4 feet tall and thrives in wet soils, often along edges of ponds and streams. Ideal for water gardens, Sweet Flag's green-yellow flowers bloom in early summer. Zones 4-10 suit it best, and it prefers full to partial sun. Notable for its ease of care and rhizomatous growth.

Sun Half, ShadeWater HighZones 4–10Type Grass
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — Notable for its ease of care and rhizomatous growth; ideal for water gardens, Sweet Flag's green-yellow flowers bloom in early

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
4–10

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Type
Grass
Family
Araceae

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Photos (80)

Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — is a perennial marsh plant that brings an element of stately grace to any water garden or damp setting
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — scientifically known as Acorus calamus
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — Acorus calamus is also valued for its reputed medicinal properties and historical use as an herbal remedy; all parts of the Sweet
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — creeping rhizomes.<br><br>The foliage of Sweet Flag
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — Though not known for its flowers
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet and widths of 2 to 3 feet; though not known for its flowers
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — provides a vertical accent with its glossy; or in marshy areas where it can naturalize over time.<br><br>Maintenance is minimal
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — but division every 2 to 3 years can promote vigorous growth; preferring full sun to part shade
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — its sword-shaped foliage resembles that of the iris; it typically grows 2-4 feet tall and thrives in wet soils, often along edges
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — Though not known for its flowers; making it ideal for planting along pond edges
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — It excels in wet soil or shallow water
Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus) — lending a sensory aspect to garden settings.<br><br>Sweet Flag thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Acorus Calamus
Photographs by 9 contributors

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