SafePlants

Acorus calamus: Sweet Flag

Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag or calamus, is a tall perennial wetland monocot. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is sometimes referred to as "sweet cane."

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has sharp-edged leaves.
• The rhizome has been extracted and used since ancient times for its oils.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has sharp-edged leaves.
• The rhizome has been extracted and used since ancient times for its oils.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acorus calamus
• Common Names: Sweet flag, calamus, sweet cane
• Family: Acoraceae
• Synonyms: Sweet cane
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Acorus calamus is a wetland plant that grows in marshes and on muddy banks of streams.
• It has been grown in the East since time immemorial.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Acorus calamus is a perennial growing to 1 meter (3ft 3in) by 1 meter (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
• It flowers in the UK from zone 3 and is not frost tender.
• It is a semi-aquatic plant.

Traditional and Historical Uses

• Historically, Acorus calamus was used for its rhizomes, particularly in the East. Indian rhizomes were imported extensively.
• It has been used in traditional medicine, but modern misuse of the root oil has raised concerns.
• Calamus root was used as a home remedy for colic.
• Sweet cane, a synonym for calamus, is named as an ingredient in the Biblical anointing oil as well as in oil of Abramelin.
• It has had a reputation as an aphrodisiac, a key ingredient in Absinthe and Dr. Pepper too.

Quirky Facts

• Calamus was the title given to a group of poems in the 1860 edition of *Leaves*.
• The plant has been associated with comradeship.