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Acid-Water Arrowhead

Sagittaria engelmanniana

Last reviewed: July 2026

Acid-Water Arrowhead (Sagittaria engelmanniana)
Photo: Reed, Chester A. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Sagittaria engelmanniana is an aquatic or wetland perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and white three-petaled flowers that bloom from July through September. This native plant thrives in consistently wet conditions and full sun, making it ideal for water gardens, pond edges, or rain gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Acid-Water Arrowhead takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
  • Aquatic growth habit appears too specialized for typical landscaping
  • May go dormant and disappear in winter leaving bare wet spots

Wildlife value

The white flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. As an aquatic native, it also provides habitat for wetland wildlife and waterfowl.

Common questions

How much sun does Acid-Water Arrowhead need?
Acid-Water Arrowhead grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Acid-Water Arrowhead bloom?
Acid-Water Arrowhead blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Acid-Water Arrowhead native?
Acid-Water Arrowhead (Sagittaria engelmanniana) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Acid-Water Arrowhead attract?
Acid-Water Arrowhead draws bees and flies.
Is Acid-Water Arrowhead HOA-friendly?
Acid-Water Arrowhead takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Acid-Water Arrowhead? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz