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Shortbeak arrowhead

Sagittaria brevirostra

Last reviewed: October 2026

Shortbeak arrowhead (Sagittaria brevirostra) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 19 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Shortbeak arrowhead (Sagittaria brevirostra)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Shortbeak arrowhead (Sagittaria brevirostra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Shortbeak arrowhead.

Emergent aquatic perennial with large arrowhead-shaped leaves rising above the water and whorled stalks of three-petaled white flowers in summer, growing in shallow ponds, ditches, and marsh margins.

Growing Shortbeak arrowhead

Grow Shortbeak arrowhead in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Tubers are an important food source for waterfowl, and the flowers attract bees and flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Shortbeak arrowhead need?
Shortbeak arrowhead grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shortbeak arrowhead bloom?
Shortbeak arrowhead blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Shortbeak arrowhead native?
Shortbeak arrowhead (Sagittaria brevirostra) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Shortbeak arrowhead attract?
Shortbeak arrowhead draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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