How much sun does American sweetflag need?

American sweetflag grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American sweetflag bloom?

American sweetflag blooms in May and June.

Where is American sweetflag native?

American sweetflag (Acorus americanus) is native to CO, CT, DC, IA and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does American sweetflag attract?

American sweetflag draws flies and small beetles.

American sweetflag

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acorus americanus

Last reviewed: August 2026

American sweetflag (Acorus americanus) is a perennial forb native to CO, CT, DC, IA and 22 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw flies and small beetles.

Toxicity unknown

American sweetflag (Acorus americanus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CO, CT, DC, IA and 22 more states

Pollinators

flies, small beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

An emergent wetland plant with flat sword-like leaves that release a sweet spicy scent when bruised, and an inconspicuous green flower spike angled off the stem. It spreads by rhizome in shallow standing water and saturated soil.

Growing American sweetflag

Grow American sweetflag in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Dense colonies stabilize shorelines and provide cover for wetland birds and amphibians.

Common questions

How much sun does American sweetflag need?: American sweetflag grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American sweetflag bloom?: American sweetflag blooms in May and June.
Where is American sweetflag native?: American sweetflag (Acorus americanus) is native to CO, CT, DC, IA and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does American sweetflag attract?: American sweetflag draws flies and small beetles.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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