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.

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 areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Shortbeak arrowhead? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
