Summer Acorus Americanus

Better known as Sweet Flag, this grass-like perennial forms fans of long, narrow leaves similar in appearance to cattail rushes. The yellow-green flowers look like an oversized seed head but give way to berries in midsummer. Breaking off the leaves releases a sweet, cinnamon-like scent that attracts wildlife and humans alike.

Reaching 2’ in height, Acorus Americanus likes wet or damp soil and its roots can even tolerate periods of immersion. It spreads via rhizomes, creating clumps in good growing conditions, making it ideal for stabilizing soil along the edges of ponds, streams, or wetlands. Acorus Americanus is found across the upper midwest and northeastern United States and is valued in Native American herbal medicine as a remedy for colds, nausea, and heartburn.