This adaptable native perennial is valued for its grassy foliage, subtle fragrance, and excellent performance in wet or consistently moist areas. Sweet flag brings texture and movement to the landscape, making it a dependable choice for naturalized plantings and water-adjacent gardens.

Bright green, sword-like leaves form upright clumps and release a light, pleasant scent when crushed. The small, inconspicuous flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are secondary to the plant’s strong foliage presence, which provides season-long structure.

Well-suited for home gardens, Acorus americanus thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist to wet soils. It performs especially well along pond edges, rain gardens, and low areas where other plants may struggle, making it an easy-care and reliable option for challenging sites.

Why choose Acorus americanus – Sweet Flag

Native adaptability: Well-suited to wet and moisture-retentive soils
Textural foliage: Upright, grassy leaves add movement and structure
Low-maintenance: Reliable growth with minimal care

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil needs: Moist to wet soil; tolerates standing water
Maintenance: Low; trim back old foliage as needed

Designs for your garden

Rain garden: Ideal for managing excess moisture
Pond edges: Performs well along water features
Naturalized areas: Blends easily into informal landscapes
Bog gardens: Adds structure and texture to wet sites

Ecological benefits

Native habitat value: Supports wetland ecosystems
Erosion control: Helps stabilize moist soils
Adaptable growth: Performs reliably in challenging conditions

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.