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Broad-leaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria platyphylla

Last reviewed: June 2026

Broad-leaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria platyphylla)
Photo: Show_ryu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Sagittaria platyphylla is a native aquatic or wetland perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves that grows 1-3 feet tall. It produces white flowers with three petals during summer and fall months. This plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and full sun exposure.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broad-leaf 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 wetland conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
  • Wild aquatic appearance conflicts with maintained landscape aesthetics
  • High water requirements make it impractical for standard garden beds

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. As a wetland plant, it provides habitat value in wet areas and rain gardens.

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.

Does Broad-leaf Arrowhead fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.