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![Acoraceae: Acorus americanus](https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/nativeplant/1033/thumbnail.jpg)
Acoraceae: Acorus americanus
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Family Name
Acoraceae
Common Name
Sweet flag
Native American Name
Dakota: sinkpe-ta-wote; Lakota: sunka ce
Description
Acorus americanus is a grass-like perennial herb, which grows 90-150 cm in height. The plant is strongly rhizomatous. The leaves are entire, sword shaped and erect. Sweet flag has a spadix that is 4-9 cm long with light brown greenish-brown perfect flowers that are enclosed by a leaf-like spathe. The perianth has 6 short segments, there are 6 stamens, and the pistil contains 2-3 locules. The fruit is a small capsule containing 2-3 seeds. Flowering occurs from May to July. This species is commonly found in swamps and marshes throughout South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Late summer, before seeds are shed.
Germination: Stratification over winter in moist soil.
Vegetative Propagation: By division of the rhizomes
Soils: Wet fertile soil
Light: Full sun
Water: Thrives in wet areas
Notes: The roots grow in a broad array just below the surface of the soil
![Acoraceae: Acorus americanus](https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/nativeplant/1033/thumbnail.jpg)
Additional Notes
The rhizomes are quite fragrant and are used both as medicines and food by several of the Northern Great Plains tribal peoples.
The Dakota name ""sinkpe-ta-wote"", means muskrat food.