Skip to main content

Broad-leaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria platyphylla

Last reviewed: September 2026

Broad-leaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria platyphylla)
Photo: (c) Gabriel Campbell-Martinez, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Broad-leaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria platyphylla) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Broad-leaf Arrowhead as toxic to livestock.

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

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Broad-leaf Arrowhead need?
Broad-leaf Arrowhead grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Broad-leaf Arrowhead bloom?
Broad-leaf Arrowhead blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Broad-leaf Arrowhead native?
Broad-leaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria platyphylla) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Broad-leaf Arrowhead toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Broad-leaf Arrowhead as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Broad-leaf Arrowhead attract?
Broad-leaf Arrowhead draws bees and beetles.
Is Broad-leaf Arrowhead HOA-friendly?
Broad-leaf 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

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