Acorus americanus
sweet flag
 
Acorus americanus, or sweet flag, is a wetland perennial that brings both structure and subtle fragrance to damp landscapes. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall, it features upright, sword-like leaves that release a sweet, spicy aroma when crushed—a reminder of its long history in traditional medicine and indigenous use. Preferring full sun to part shade and consistently wet soils, sweet flag is well-suited to pond edges, marshes, and rain gardens where other plants may struggle. While its greenish-yellow flower spikes are modest, they add quiet interest, and its rhizomes help stabilize soil in saturated habitats. Sweet flag is a plant that blends utility, resilience, and a touch of elegance.
 
photo by Ryan Hodnett