Sweet Flag, or Calamus, is a distinctive perennial native to North America's wetlands, often found along the edges of ponds, streams, and marshes. Its resilience to standing water helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, while its ornamental value adds height and interest to damp garden environments. Known for its sword-like, grass-shaped leaves that grow in clumps, this plant adds both texture and fragrance to moist landscapes. In late summer, it produces subtle greenish-brown flowers on tall, spiked inflorescences, which enhance its intriguing presence, while the leaves release a fresh, sweet scent, adding a sensory element to sunny water gardens and marshy areas.
Historically, Sweet Flag was prized for its medicinal properties. Early Native American tribes used the rhizomes in their herbal practices for various purposes, including digestive support and calming effects. The root was also dried and steeped to produce teas or used for its aromatic oils. Its medicinal value extended beyond indigenous cultures, with early settlers adopting it in their own herbal practices. Interestingly, the genus name Acorus comes from the Greek word for 'pupil,' referring to its historical use in treating eye inflammation. Acorus americanus, the American species, was widely traded and distributed across the U.S. and Canada, often found near old Native American campsites, where it had been carefully cultivated and harvested. With this rich cultural history, its sweet fragrance, and low-maintenance nature, Sweet Flag remains a timeless and functional addition to any landscape.