Acorus americanus, commonly known as Sweet Flag, is a native North American wetland perennial valued for its upright, sword-like foliage and sweetly aromatic leaves. Typically growing 2 to 4 feet tall, this rhizomatous plant forms dense, vertical clumps that provide structure and texture along pond edges, rain gardens, and other moist to wet sites. Sweet Flag produces subtle, greenish-yellow spadix flowers in late spring to early summer, and thrives in full sun to part shade with consistently moist soils. Its reliability in wet conditions makes it useful in both naturalized settings and designed water gardens.

Why choose Sweet Flag

• Native wetland plant: Found throughout northern and eastern North America

• Moisture tolerant: Thrives in wet soils, shallow water, and rain gardens

• Aromatic foliage: Leaves release a pleasant, spicy scent when crushed

Cultivating tips

• Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Prefers consistently moist to wet soils; tolerates shallow standing water

• Maintenance: Low—cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring

Designs for your garden

• Rain gardens: Excellent for absorbing moisture and stabilizing wet areas

• Pond edges: Provides vertical structure and natural appearance

• Native plantings: Blends well with wetland grasses, sedges, and moisture-loving perennials

Ecological benefits

• Native value: Supports wetland ecosystems and contributes to habitat diversity

• Erosion control: Dense rhizomes help stabilize shoreline and saturated soils

• Wildlife support: Provides cover in wetland environments