Acorus
calamus (Sweetflag)
|
Family:
Acoraceae (Sweetflag) |
Sweetflag is a wetland plant
found in similar habitats as cattails. Plants grow to a height of about 2 feet.
Leaves are about 1/2-inch wide, lime green, flat, with a prominent raised midvein.
Crushed leaves are aromatic. Plants are sterile.
Some sources decribe Sweetflag
as a native plant, while others suggest it was introduced to North America from
India, central Asia or Eastern Europe. Sweetflag has almost disappeared from
Colorado due to the draining of wetlands.
Sweetflag roots have been used by people for a variety of purposes. An entry
on Wikipedia states "The root is anodyne, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative,
diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hallucinogenic, hypotensive,
sedative, stimulant, stomachic, mildly tonic and vermifuge." That's quite
a resume! The plant also contains carcinogens and the FDA has banned its use
as a food additive.
| Vegetation
zone: |
Plains
(3500 - 5100 ft.) |
| Time of bloom: |
June - July |
| Origin: |
Native / Introduced |