Audubon® American Sweet Flag

Having a pond on your property is a wonderful way to encourage birds to visit your backyard, and American Sweet Flag is a fine choice for planting pondside. When planted at the edge of large ponds, it may serve as good nesting habitat for ducks and shorebirds; in smaller gardens, it’s simply a nice native plant that looks right at home by the water. At first glance, you might think the strappy foliage belongs to Cattail, but American Sweet Flag is smaller-growing than Cattail, and its leaves have a delightful spicy-citrus fragrance. Some scatter the foliage in cupboards to impart a fresh scent to their linens.

American Sweet Flag is a cool climate–loving species found most abundantly in Canada, the Upper Midwest, and New England. It occurs along lakes, ponds, and bogs, and can grow in up to one foot of water. American Sweet Flag was valued by native peoples for many purposes. The strong but pliable leaves were woven into mats, baskets, and thatched roofs, while the aromatic roots were used as perfume ad insect repellent. The roots were also ingested to treat a variety of disorders, including headaches, fatigue, heartburn, nausea, colds, and arthritis. Sweet Flag can induce vomiting and hallucinations as well, so please don’t eat it!

American Sweet Flag is often confused with a closely related Eurasian Sweet Flag that has naturalized in the U.S. The American form produces fertile seeds; the exotic variety does not, though it has still managed to spread widely throughout the eastern states and in isolated pockets in the West.

We do the hard part. Our trees and plants are grown and cared for by only the best, local growers for years before they find their forever home in your landscape. Bower & Branch is known for having hard-to-find, substantial sizes and selection. The quality of our trees and plants are consistent in health and vigor—always ready for immediate impact in your garden and instant curb appeal. We believe in empowering homeowners with the truth about strong, healthy and structurally sound plants that are grown to perform in the ground after they leave the nursery for home delivery, always fresh inventory from the grower

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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