Arrowhead (Duck Potato)

Sagittaria latifolia

Illustration: Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) arrow leaves and tubers

Identification: Shallow water plant with unmistakable ARROWHEAD-shaped emergent leaves; white 3-petaled flowers; egg-sized tubers in the mud.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike with the arrow-shaped leaves + white flowers + tubers. (Arrow arum has similar leaves but different flowers and no tubers — learn the difference.)

Edible parts: Tubers.

Season and habitat: Fall–winter (tubers largest). Marshes, pond and stream edges.

Preparation: Wade in, feel for tubers in the mud with your toes — the traditional method. Boil or roast like potatoes; peel the bitter skin after cooking.

Notes: Ducks grub them up by the thousand — follow the ducks.