Duck-potato
Sagittaria latifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–60" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 36 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Duck-potato is an aquatic perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and tall spikes of white three-petaled flowers in summer. This wetland plant requires consistently wet or flooded conditions and is best suited for pond edges, rain gardens, or wet swales.
In an HOA neighborhood
Duck-potato 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.
- Requires wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Can appear wild and unstructured
- Limited to specialized aquatic applications
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. Waterfowl and other wildlife also utilize this plant for food and habitat in aquatic settings.
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 Duck-potato fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.