Bulltongue arrowhead
Sagittaria lancifolia · Alismataceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bulltongue arrowhead: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Lance-leaved Arrowhead
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Type
- Perennial aquatic plant
- Foliage
- Persistent to semi-persistent depending on climate
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Semi-hardy to hardy (down to -5°C depending on varieties)
- Origin
- Wetlands of tropical and temperate America
Care
Watering and humidity
Sagittaria lancifolia is a fully aquatic plant requiring permanent immersion. Maintain a water depth of 15 to 45 cm depending on conditions and variety. In a pond, gentle water renewal helps prevent nutrient depletion, particularly during warm seasons.
Light exposure
Prefer full sun or partial shade to encourage good growth and generous flowering. Insufficient light slows growth and reduces flower production. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can prevent leaf burn.
Substrate and aquatic environment
Use a substrate rich in organic matter (mud, specialized potting soil, or silt-compost blend) for rooting. Sagittaria lancifolia appreciates a slightly nutrient-rich environment and thrives in ponds provided the substrate is deep enough (at least 15 to 20 cm).
Fertilization
In an established pond, natural enrichment through nutrient accumulation is generally sufficient. When grown in pots, apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season to support vitality and flowering.
Maintenance and cleaning
Regularly remove dead or damaged leaves to prevent excessive decomposition and maintain the plant's appearance. Divide rhizomes every 2 to 3 years to rejuvenate plants and control the plant's natural spread.
Pests and common issues
Very hardy, Sagittaria lancifolia rarely suffers from serious diseases. Watch for possible rot if substrate becomes overly laden with anaerobic silt, or aquatic slugs that nibble on leaves. Good water circulation and gentle substrate aeration prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Sagittaria lancifolia owes its Latin name "sagittaria" to the sagittate (arrow-pointed) shape characteristic of some of its emergent leaves. Traditionally used in Central and South America in ritual and ornamental aquatic gardens, its delicate white flowers with yellow stamens make it a prized plant for stabilizing the banks of small ponds and creating aquatic microcosystems.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Water plantainAlisma plantago-aquatica
- Alisma lanceolatumAlisma lanceolatum
- Baldellia ranunculoidesBaldellia ranunculoides
- Duck potatoSagittaria latifolia
- Floating water-plantainLuronium natans
- Alisma gramineumAlisma gramineum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.