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European Sweetflag

Acorus calamus

Found in marshes, wet meadows, other wet areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

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Not native

Not native to Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
2–2.5 feet
Spread
1.5–2 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Moist to standing water
See native alternatives

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  • Bearded Beggarticks
    Bidens aristosa

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

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    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Moist to standing water. Flowers: Brown/copper or purple.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Broadleaf Arrowhead
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    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Moist to standing water. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

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At a glance

Life cycle
Perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
May to June
Fruiting season
Summer

Recorded in 71 Virginia counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 2

Freshwater marshes

Open, herb-covered wetlands with fresh, non-tidal water.

Wet meadows

Open, wet, grassy or sedgy ground that is not a bog.

All habitats

Also found with this plant

Wildlife whose habitat models include habitats this plant grows in, in Virginia. Shared habitat, not food. 99 animals.

All wildlife of Virginia

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including VA
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
1BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Recorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim · Acorus

  • Fulica americanaAmerican Coot
Hurlbert, Olsen, Sawyer & Winner 2021, Avian Diet Database, Scientific Data 8: 260 (CC0)

Direct food only: birds recorded eating this genus across North America. Caterpillars on host plants also feed nesting birds. NC Native Plant Society: butterfly gardening

Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Acoraceae
Hardiness
Zones 4a–10b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Green or inconspicuous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Spreads by rhizomes
Foliage color
Green
Fruit begins
Summer
Fruit ends
Summer

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Calamus; European Sweet Flag

Conservation status

Virginia rankSNA
Global rankG4?
VA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources