Broadleaf Arrowhead

found growing along the stream by our home.

from wikipedia: sagittaria latifoliais a plant found in shallow wetlands and is sometimes known as broadleaf arrowhead, duck potato, indian potato, or wapato. this plant produces edible tubers that were extensively used by the indigenous peoples of the americas.

widespread across north america, but also found natively in hawaii, the caribbean and the northern part of south america, broadleaf arrowhead has been introduced in europe and australia, where it is considered an invasive weed.

extremely frequent as an emergent plant, broadleaf arrowhead forms dense colonies on very wet soils that become more open as the species mixes with other species of deeper water levels. these colonies forms long bands following the curves of rivers, ponds and lakes, well marked by the dark green color of the leaves. the plant has strong roots and can survive through wide variations of the water level, slow currents and waves. it displays an affinity for high levels of phosphates and hard waters.

despite the name duck potato, ducks rarely consume the tubers, which are usually buried too deep for them to reach, although they often consume the seeds. beavers, north american porcupines, and muskrats, however, eat the whole plant, tubers included.

the tubers can be detached from the ground in various ways: with the feet, a pitchfork, or a stick, and usually then float to the surface. ripe tubers can be collected in the fall and are often found floating freely.

these tubers can be eaten raw or cooked for 15 to 20 minutes. the taste is similar to potatoes and chestnuts, and they can be prepared in the same fashions: roasting, frying, boiling, and so on. they can also be sliced and dried to prepare a flour. other edible parts include late summer buds and fruits.

all the best.