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Western Wetland Flora

Field Office Guide to Plant Species

Northern Arrow-head
Sagittaria cuneata Sheldon

JPG -- Species Photo JPG -- Distribution Map

Family: Water Plantain (Alismataceae)
Flowering: June-September
Field Marks: This arrow-head strongly resembles others, but can be distinguished by its angular leaf stalks and straight beak on the achene.
Habitat: Around and in lakes and ponds, along streams.
Habit: Emersed or submersed perennial herb with rhizomes.
Stems: Only the flowering stem above ground, up to 3 feet tall, smooth.
Leaves: Basal, arrow-head shaped (sagittate), up to 8 inches long, the basal lobes usually shorter than the terminal lobe, smooth; leaf stalk angular.
Flowers: Male and female flowers usually borne on the same plant in whorls, the male flowers being uppermost; bracts lanceolate, pointed at the tip.
Sepals: 3, free from each other, green, ovate, up to 2/5 inch long.
Petals: 3, free from each other, white, ovate, up to 4/5 inch long.
Stamens: Numerous.
Pistils: Several, each with a superior ovary.
Fruits: Achenes crowded together in a spherical head, each achene up to 1/6 inch long, with a tiny straight beak.
Notes: The achenes are eaten by waterfowl.

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Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 06:25:31 EST
Menlo Park, CA [caww55]