Sagittaria australis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sagittaria australis |
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| Long-beaked Arrowhead - Sagittaria australis | |
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Sagittaria
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australis
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The Sagittaria australis, often called the Appalachian arrowhead or longbeak arrowhead, is a fascinating plant that grows in water. You can find it in many parts of the eastern United States. It lives in wet places like swamps and along the edges of lakes and ponds. This plant is sometimes sold to grow in home aquariums or garden ponds because it looks nice.
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Meet the Appalachian Arrowhead
The Appalachian arrowhead is a type of water plant. It is an emergent aquatic, which means it grows in water but its leaves and flowers stand up out of the water. This plant is also a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and comes back each growing season.
What Does This Plant Look Like?
The Sagittaria australis can grow quite tall. It can reach up to 130 centimeters (about 50 inches) high. One special thing about this plant is its leaf stem, called a petiole. Unlike many other plants in its family, its petiole has five distinct wings.
The flowers of the Appalachian arrowhead are pretty and white. Each flower can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) wide. After the flowers bloom, the plant produces small fruits called achenes. These achenes have a beak-like shape that curves backward.
Where Does the Arrowhead Plant Live?
This plant is native to a large area in the eastern United States. You can find it from Louisiana all the way up to Iowa and New York State. It also grows down to Florida. Most of these plants are found between New Jersey and Mississippi. However, you might find them in other scattered places within this wide range.
The Appalachian arrowhead loves wet environments. Its favorite places to grow are in swamps. It also thrives along the edges of lakes and ponds. It needs plenty of water to grow big and strong.
How Do People Use This Plant?
Even though it grows wild, the Sagittaria australis is also used by people. Sometimes, it is sold as an ornamental plant. This means people buy it to make their homes or gardens look nicer. It's a popular choice for aquaria (fish tanks) and garden ponds. Its tall, green leaves and white flowers add beauty to these water features.
