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Acorus

Acorus, commonly known as Sweet Flag, is a genus of monocot flowering plants that has been historically classified within the Araceae family but now has its own family, Acoraceae, and order, Acorales. This genus is notable for being one of the oldest surviving lineages of monocots.

Acorus species are often found in wetland environments and are known for their grass-like or iris-like appearance. They thrive in moist to boggy soils, with some varieties preferring drier conditions. The plants grow best in part shade, although some can tolerate full sun.

The cultivation of Acorus involves light and moisture needs of the variety being grown, as well as the soil pH, which ideally ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. These plants can add a unique texture and fragrance to garden spaces, particularly in water gardens or boggy areas where other plants might struggle to survive.

  • Acorus gramineus Ogon 10ct Quarts Acorus gramineus Ogon 10ct Quarts

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (10)ct Quarts

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' Common name: Golden sweet flag, golden Japanese sweet flag, or Japanese rush (a.k.a. 'Wogon'). Zone: (5) 6 to 10, evergreen in warm zones. Sun to part shade, aquatic or wetland perennial.Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall, with...

    $105.00
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  • Acorus gramineus Ogon 18ct Flat Acorus gramineus Ogon 18ct Flat

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (18)ct Flat

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (18)ct Flat Common name: Golden sweet flag, golden Japanese sweet flag, or Japanese rush (a.k.a. 'Wogon'). Zone: (5) 6 to 10, evergreen in warm zones. Sun to part shade, aquatic or wetland perennial.Mature size: 6 to 12...

    $121.56
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  • Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot) Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot)

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot)

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (3.5-inch pot)Common name: Golden Variegated Sweet Flag Height: 8-12 Inches Spread: 6-12 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-10 Sun to Part-Shade Prefers afternoon shade in Southern zones Bright golden and green striped grass-like...

    $6.48
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  • Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (4) 1-gallons

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (4) 1-gallons

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (4) 1-gallons Common name: Golden sweet flag, golden Japanese sweet flag, or Japanese rush (a.k.a. 'Wogon'). Zone: (5) 6 to 10, evergreen in warm zones. Sun to part shade, aquatic or wetland perennial.Mature size: 6 to 12...

    $114.72
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Acorus gramineus is a popular ornamental plant often mistaken for a grass due to its similar appearance. It thrives in moist, boggy conditions and prefers damp soil, tolerating up to 4 inches of standing water. While it can grow in full sun, afternoon shade or dappled sunlight is ideal in hot climates to prevent heat stress.

Acorus (ak-or-us) is commonly called grassy-leaved sweet flag. Foliage and rhizomes are sweetly fragrant when bruised, hence the common name. When crushed, it releases a fragrance reminiscent of tangerine. The sweet scent of calamus oil is used in perfumes and potpourri. It has even been used in the production of gin and beer as a flavor smoother and enhancer.

It is a semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennial that features a grass-like tuft of narrow leaf blades that fan outward. It thrives in wet soils and is commonly grown in water gardens, pond margins and boggy areas for foliage accent or ground cover.

Acorus prefers to grow in fertile, constantly moist, acidic soil. However, it will tolerate a wide range of conditions as long as moisture is constantly available, including standing water up to 5 inches deep. In hot summer climates, without afternoon shade or filtered sun, leaf tips may scorch if allowed to dry out. A regular watering schedule during the first growing season will help establish root system. Propagate by division only, divide every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

Slowly naturalizes by creeping rhizomes and can form large colonies in the wild. This grass is not aggressively invasive, nor a true grass.

Native to bogs, it is great for bogs, containers, edging or as a groundcover, and ideal in water gardens, along streams or ponds, or anywhere soil moisture requirements can be met. Maintenance free and deer resistant.

Key Features:

  • Sweet fragrance: Foliage and rhizomes release a pleasant, tangerine-like scent when crushed.
  • Versatile use: Ideal for water gardens, pond margins, bogs, and containers.
  • Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
  • Deer resistant: Not attractive to deer.
  • Grass-like appearance: Resembles grasses but is not a true grass.
  • Moist-loving: Thrives in wet, boggy conditions.
  • Sun tolerance: Prefers full sun but benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates.
  • Spreading habit: Spreads through rhizomes.

Growing Conditions:

  • Soil: Prefers fertile, moist, acidic soil but can tolerate a wide range of well-drained soil.
  • Moisture: Requires constant moisture, including standing water.
  • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates.
  • Spacing: Plant 8-12 inches apart.

Propagation and Care:

  • Propagation: Propagate by division every 2-3 years in early spring.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
  • Spreading: Can slowly spread through rhizomes and form colonies.

Acorus gramineus FAQ

Grassy-Leaved Sweet Flag, Japanese Sweetflag, Japanese Sweet Flag, Slender Sweet Flag

AH-kor-us gram-IN-ee-us

Acorus gramineus (grassy-leaved sweet flag) is a popular ornamental plant often mistaken for a grass due to its similar appearance. It thrives in wet, boggy conditions and prefers damp soil, tolerating up to 4 inches of standing water.

Meaning behind the name: The common name insinuates that the plant is sweet-smelling, which they are (at least when they are crushed). Gramineus means grass in Latin.

Family Change: This plant has its own family group (Acoraceae) though it used to be in the Arum family.

Native to: eastern China (specifically, China, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines)

Insect, Disease, or Other Plant Problems: Insect and disease problems are not a problem for this plant. However, if soils are dry, issues can arouse (such as scorching).

Possible locations to plant: Acorus gramineus can be planted to the side of streams, bogs, ponds, in woodlands, along water banks, in rock gardens, for foundation plants, accent plants, or even along a border front. Great for an edging groundcover. Good container plant if kept moist.

  • Genus: Acorus
  • Species: gramineus
  • Family: Acoraceae
  • Resistant To: erosion, wet soil
  • Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Herbaceous Perennial Ground Cover
  • Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
  • Semi-evergreen
  • Habit/Form: Dense, Erect
  • Maintenance: Low
  • Texture: Fine
  • Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) - Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
  • Soil Drainage: Frequent Standing Water, Occasionally Wet
  • Plant Spacing: Less than 12 inches
  • USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flower Color: Gold/Yellow, Green
  • Insignificant
  • Flower Inflorescence: Spike
  • Flower Bloom Time: Spring - Summer
  • Flower Size: 3-6 inches
  • Flower Description: These small, lateral flowers are green and yellow, blooming in mid-spring/ summer (around May to June) on a spadix that is about 3 inches long (2-4 inches).
  • Leaf Characteristics: Semi-evergreen
  • Leaf Color: Green
  • Leaf Feel: Glossy
  • Fragrant
  • Leaf Length: > 6 inches
  • Leaf Width: < 1 inch
  • Leaf Description: In general, Acorus gramineus's leaves are 1/4 inch wide, 6-12 inches long (but may be up to 18 inches long), narrow, linear, shiny/glossy, erect, smell sweet (fragrant), may be dark green, and speads by roots. This plant is grown for foliage. which smells sweet.
  • Container
  • Naturalized Area
  • Slope/Bank
  • Small Space
  • Woodland
  • Rain Garden
  • Rock Garden
  • Water Garden
  • Accent
  • Border
  • Foundation Planting
  • Mass Planting
  • Resistance: Erosion, Wet Soil
Acorus is a genus of perennial plants that typically grow in wet or marshy areas. They have long, slender, sword-like leaves that are often variegated and emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed.
Acorus plants require consistent moisture. Plant them in well-drained, loamy soil with partial to full sun. Mulch can help retain moisture. Prune dead or yellowing leaves regularly and divide the clumps every few years to maintain healthy growth.
There are several varieties of Acorus, including Acorus calamus (sweet flag), Acorus gramineus (Japanese sweet flag), and various cultivars with different leaf colors like 'Variegatus' with striped leaves.
Acorus plants can spread, especially in moist conditions, but they are not typically considered highly invasive. Regular maintenance, such as dividing the clumps, can help control their growth.
Acorus plants are generally pest and disease resistant. However, they may occasionally attract aphids or mealybugs. Regular inspection and appropriate treatment can help manage these issues.
Acorus can be propagated through division. Dig up the clumps in early spring or late summer, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in prepared soil.
Acorus plants are generally considered deer-resistant due to their strong fragrance and bitter taste, which deer tend to avoid.