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Giant Arrowhead

Sagittaria montevidensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Giant Arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis)
Photo: Oeropium / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, WI

Pollinators

bees, flies

Giant arrowhead is a tall aquatic perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and white flowers that bloom from July through September. This water-loving plant thrives in consistently wet soils or shallow water features and can reach up to 5 feet in height.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires specialized wet conditions inappropriate for typical landscaping
  • Large size and aquatic nature appear unmanaged in standard yards
  • Limited to pond edges or rain gardens which many HOAs restrict

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and flies for pollination. As an aquatic plant, it also provides habitat for water-dwelling insects and can support waterfowl in appropriate settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Giant Arrowhead need?
Giant Arrowhead grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Giant Arrowhead bloom?
Giant Arrowhead blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Giant Arrowhead native?
Giant Arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis) is native to AL, FL, GA, WI, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Giant Arrowhead attract?
Giant Arrowhead draws bees and flies.
Is Giant Arrowhead HOA-friendly?
Giant 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.

Ready to grow Giant Arrowhead? 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