Duck Potato
Sagittaria latifolia
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Pl. E607 — Sagittaria latifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Duck Potato, known botanically as Sagittaria latifolia, is a perennial plant native to North and Central America, as well as parts of South America. It thrives in wet environments such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams. This plant can be found across a wide range including Alabama, Alberta, Arkansas, Bolivia, British Columbia, California, Colombia, Colorado, and many other states and provinces. Duck Potato is valued for its edible root, which can be consumed after proper preparation. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. With a hardiness range of 6-9, it can withstand various climate conditions. One distinctive feature of this plant is its broad, arrow-shaped leaves that give it its scientific name.
Quick answers
What is Duck Potato?
Duck Potato, known botanically as Sagittaria latifolia, is a perennial plant native to North and Central America, as well as parts of South America. It thrives in wet environments such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Duck Potato thrives in full sun and prefers wet soil conditions, making it suitable for areas with high moisture. It can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This perennial plant is hardy in zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 1.2 meters. For propagation, division of the rhizomes is effective. Harvest the edible root parts when needed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Duck Potato for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple setup to grow Duck Potato as a beginner.
- 1
What you'll need
A container or garden bed, seeds or small tubers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm and wet.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light sandy, medium, or clay soil. Ensure good drainage for wet conditions.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 1-2 cm deep or place tubers just below the surface in containers or beds.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide full sun exposure for best growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Maintain consistent moisture, fertilize lightly if needed. Cut back on water during winter dormancy.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Harvest roots in late summer or early fall.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting drainage, not providing enough sunlight, using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia) has edible roots that can be prepared in various ways. Typically, the roots are dug from wet soil and eaten raw or cooked. They can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas7 regions
native (7)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaEcuadorGuatemalaHonduras
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Alberta, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e6073ad4-a032-4568-81a1-b09b4eada361
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