Peltandra sagittifolia (Michx.) Morong

• Genus: Peltandra
• Botanical Background: Originally described as Calla sagittifolia by Michaux (1803), Morong reassigned it to Peltandra in 1894. It remains distinct from its congener P. virginica based on leaf form and inflorescence structure.

• Geographical Range: Southeastern United States, from eastern Louisiana through Virginia.
• Environment: Occurs in acidic, peat‑rich non‑alluvial swamps, bogs, seepage areas, and shallow margins of ponds and slow streams; thrives in saturated, lime‑free soils with pH 4.0–6.0.

Leaves

• Basal, sagittate (arrow‑shaped) blades 10–30 cm long, glossy green, borne on erect petioles

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• White to greenish spathe broadly expanded, enclosing a cylindrical spadix
• Blooms June–August
• Pollinated chiefly by flies (Diptera) via brood‑site mimicry

Growth Habit

• • A herbaceous, rhizomatous emergent aquatic perennial reaching 15–20 cm in height
  • Seasonally dormant

Light Requirements

• Full sun to part shade

• Cannot tolerate deep shade

Watering & Humidity

• Requires constant moisture or shallow standing water
• Avoid drought

Soil & Potting Mix

• Humus‑rich, acidic, lime‑free substrate
• Heavy, water‑retentive soils ideal

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Hardy USDA zones 6–9 (optimum zones 7–9)
• Feed lightly during active growth (spring–summer)

Division

• Rhizome division in spring
• Best planted in clumps and kept moist until established 

Seeds

• Sow fresh seed submerged in shallow water immediately after ripening
• Transplant seedlings once robust 

Typical Issues

• Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips
• Maintain high humidity, inspect regularly, and quarantine new stock

Treatment Recommendations

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
• Manual removal
• Replace infested soil layer
• Introduce predatory mites for thrips control

• Fruit clusters transition from green to bright red, attracting songbirds
• Roots are starchy and edible when thoroughly cooked despite high calcium oxalate content

• Valued for its compact habit, striking white spathes, and rarity
• Prized by native plant enthusiasts and water‑garden collectors

Wild Population Status

• NatureServe ranks it G3 (vulnerable) due to restricted range and specialized habitat requirements 

Market Availability

• Not commonly sold
• Available primarily through specialty native‑plant nurseries and seed providers