Acorus calamus 'Variegatus' (Aquatic) - Striped Sweet Flag
Habit and Cultural Information
Category : Grass-like
Family : Araceae (Arums)
Origin : Europe, Northern (Europe)
Flower Color : Green
Bloomtime : Spring
Variegated Foliage : Yes
Height : 2-3 feet
Width : 4-5 feet
Exposure : Sun or Shade
Irrigation Req. : Keep Wet
Striking, beautiful sword-shaped leaves with vivid creamy-yellow banded stripes emerge from dormancy each spring from very thick rhizomes. Iris-like foliage rises 2 to 3 feet tall from slow spreading clumps. Sweet flag loves a rich moist spot such as a pond or bog, but will tolerate average garden soil. Use the strong variegated, vertical foliage as an accent to brighten the landscape or in a pond where it can reflect beautifully on the water. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade. Cold hardy to <15 degrees F. Acorus calamus can be easily identified by crushing the foliage, the odor is strong and spicy like citrus. The root has a pungent, aromatic taste, and is used in medicine as a stomachic; the leaves have an aromatic odor, and were formerly used instead of rushes to strew on floors. In addition when the knotted stalk is cut and dried and reduced to powder, it forms an ingredient in the most precious perfumes. Name origin: akoron from Greek meaning plant with aromatic roots; calamus from Latin meaning cane. This description is based on research and personal experiences. If you have additional information or disagree with what we list, please contact us with your comments.