Sweet Flag was once considered a member of the Arum family, but has recently been reclassified into its own family, Acoraceae. It has fragrant, evergreen, grass-like foliage that resembles Iris or Cattails. The inflorescence is an inconspicuous, finger-like spadix from between the flattened, bright green leaves. This plant is tough and adaptable to most moist locations as long as they get at least a half day of sunlight. They spread readily from the fleshy rhizomes to form large colonies in wetland conditions, and can even grow in standing water. The aromatic rhizomes of Sweet Flag have long been used in traditional medicine, and the roots have been used as a spicy addition to salads when candied.Proper research should be done before using any plant as an edible or medicinal to avoid unsafe consumption.Sources:
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants Eastern/Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson
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Acorus americanus (Sweet Flag) - 1 gal
Sweet Flag
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.