Chapman's arrowhead
Sagittaria chapmanii
Family: Alismataceae
What it is like
Sagittaria chapmanii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Margins of swamps, ponds, and small streams at elevations of 0 - 100 metres.
South-eastern N. America - Florida to Alabama and Georgia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
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The base of fresh plants can be blanched and eaten raw or cooked. We assume this refers to the bases of growing stems.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
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Other
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How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. This species is very closely related to Sagittaria graminea and is seen as no more than a sub-species by many botanists. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A pond or bog garden plant, it requires a moist or wet loamy soil in a sunny position. Prefers shallow, still or slowly flowing water up to 30 - 60cm deep.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in about 5cm of water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is about 5cm above the top of the pot. Plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Division of the tubers in spring or autumn. Easy. Runners potted up at any time in the growing season.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Wet, water