Arrowhead

Sagittaria sagittifolia

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Upright and hairless aquatic perennial to 90cm tall, with large tubers. Aerial leaves are shaped like arrowheads and borne on long upright stalks; floating leaves are pointed or oval, and lack the basal lobes of the aerial leaves. Flowers are about 2.5cm wide and have three white petals, each with a purple spot at the base. Also called Swamp Potato and Water Archer.

DISTRIBUTION

Common in southern Britain and on the Continent, except the far north and south.

USES

Starchy tubers can be boiled; skins have a slightly bitter potato flavour and they should be removed after cooking. Dried tubers can be ground into a flour, and combined with cereal flour to make cakes and biscuits. Tubers should not be eaten raw.