Arrowhead, Japanese Arrowhead, Chinese Arrowhead, Swamp Potato, Duck Potato
Sagittaria trifolia
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The corms (tubers) are edible, tasting like potatoes or chestnuts. They are a good source of starch and can be boiled, baked, or fried. The leaves can also be cooked and eaten when young. It's a useful plant for constructed wetlands and aquaponics, providing filtration and habitat for aquatic life. Different cultivars exist, some with larger and better-tasting corms.
Permapeople description
Sagittaria trifolia, also known as Chinese arrowhead, is a plant species belonging to the Alismataceae family. It is native to Asia and is commonly grown for its edible corms.
Botanical description
Sagittaria trifolia is an aquatic perennial herb belonging to the Alismataceae family. It features arrow-shaped leaves that emerge from a starchy corm. The plant produces white, three-petaled flowers on erect stalks. It thrives in shallow water habitats such as marshes, ponds, and rice paddies. The corms are typically 2-5 cm in diameter. This species exhibits considerable morphological variation depending on environmental conditions.
Companion planting
Arrowhead can be grown with rice in aquaponics systems. It benefits from being planted alongside other aquatic plants that provide shade and nutrients. Avoid planting near aggressive, invasive plants that may outcompete it.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily achieved through corms (tubers). These can be harvested in the fall or spring and planted in shallow water or wet soil. Seeds can also be used, but germination can be variable. Division of established plants is another viable method.
History and traditions
Arrowhead has been a staple food in many cultures across Asia and North America. In Japan, it is traditionally eaten during the New Year. Indigenous peoples of North America used various Sagittaria species as a food source and sometimes medicinally. The corms were often harvested in the fall.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from summer to fall (July-September). Corms are typically harvested in the fall (October-November) after the plant has senesced. Planting corms is best done in spring (March-May). Pruning is generally not necessary, but spent flower stalks can be removed.