Duck-potato
Sagittaria latifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sagittaria latifolia (Duck-potato) is a native aquatic forb found across most US states, blooming white flowers from July through September. This wetland plant thrives in shallow water and attracts bees, beetles, and flies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Duck-potato as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Duck-potato
Grow Duck-potato in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Sagittaria latifolia bloom?
- Duck-potato blooms from July through September, producing white three-petaled flowers on tall spikes above the water.
- Where is Sagittaria latifolia native?
- This species is native to most US states from coast to coast, including wetland areas from Florida to Alaska and from California to Maine.
- What pollinators visit Duck-potato?
- Sagittaria latifolia attracts bees, beetles, and flies to its white flowers during the summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Sagittaria latifolia need?
- Duck-potato requires consistently wet to saturated soil or shallow standing water and grows best in full sun to partial sun conditions.
- Is Duck-potato toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Duck-potato as toxic to livestock.
- Is Duck-potato HOA-friendly?
- Duck-potato 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.
Ready to grow Duck-potato? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz