calamus

Acorus calamus, this NATIVE emerges from the water with a 2-edged stalk, leaf blade resembling that of an iris, bearing tiny greenish-yellow flowers. Flowers are clustered in diamond-shaped patterns on a spadix 2-3 1/2"long. Leaves are 1-4'(ft)long, stiff, light green, sword-like. Flowers May-August. Found in swamps, marshes, riverbanks, and small streams. All along the east coast south to North Carolina, west to Texas and the Oregon coast. This NATIVE can grow both in and out of water. It clumps bu underground rootstalks that have a sweet odor and flavor, once used for making candy. All parts of the plant are fragrant when bruised.