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Broad-leaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria platyphylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

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

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

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

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

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