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Bulltongue Arrowhead

Sagittaria lancifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Sagittaria lancifolia is a native aquatic forb found in wetlands across the southeastern United States from Maryland to Texas. This Bulltongue Arrowhead blooms white flowers from June through November in high-water conditions.

Bulltongue Arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

36"–72" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Bulltongue Arrowhead is a tall aquatic perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and white flowers that bloom from summer through fall. This native wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soil and full sun to thrive. It goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before returning in spring.

Growing Bulltongue Arrowhead

Grow Bulltongue Arrowhead in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The white flowers attract various pollinators including bees and butterflies during its extended bloom period. Waterfowl and other wildlife may use the seeds as a food source.

Common questions

Where does Sagittaria lancifolia naturally grow?
Bulltongue Arrowhead is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
When does Bulltongue Arrowhead bloom?
Sagittaria lancifolia produces flowers from June through November, providing an extended blooming period through summer and fall.
What growing conditions does Sagittaria lancifolia need?
This aquatic plant requires full sun exposure and high water conditions, making it ideal for wetland gardens, pond edges, and consistently moist areas.
Is Bulltongue Arrowhead HOA-friendly?
Bulltongue 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.

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