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sweetflag

Scientific Name: Acorus americanus

Family: Acoraceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: PA (sweet flag)

       

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

Sweet flag, scientifically known as Acorus calamus, is also commonly referred to as calamus, sweet rush, sweet sedge, and by other names such as sweet root, myrtle grass, and sweet myrtle.

Considerations for Pets

  • The fresh root is noted as a known hazard.
  • This plant can grow to be up to 6.6 feet tall which could make it accessible to many pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The fresh root is noted as a known hazard.
  • This plant can grow to be up to 6.6 feet tall which could make it accessible to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acorus calamus
  • Family: Acoraceae (formerly Araceae or Arum Family)
  • Synonyms: Calamus aromaticus
  • Acorus americanus (While sometimes listed as a synonym, the text also mentions it as a separate species.)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Mongolia, China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula.
  • Also found in wetlands of North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Prefers wet to wet-mesic soil conditions.
  • Grows best in full sun.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Tall perennial wetland monocot that can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) high.
  • Erect, sword-shaped leaves resembling those of the Yellow Flag Iris.
  • Horizontal, creeping rootstock that can grow up to 5 feet long.
  • Leaves are often striped green and cream in variegated varieties.
  • A dwarf cultivar grows to about 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide.

Ecological Role

  • May resemble cattails (Typha spp.) or Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) at first glance.

Genetic Information

  • Acorus calamus is a sterile polyploid species with three sets of chromosomes, preventing it from producing fertile seeds.

Quirky Facts

  • Sweet flag has a sweet-smelling rhizome, though the roots taste like ginger.
  • Historically, calamus has been known as an aphrodisiac and an ingredient in Absinthe and Dr. Pepper.

Additional Information

  • The text references Monrovia plants and their best practices.