Also known as Asian Sweet-Flag · Beewort · Bēowyrt
Calamus (Acorus calamus) is a semi-aquatic perennial herb with fragrant, sword-shaped leaves and a creeping rhizome. It thrives in wet environments.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
50% intensity
Prefers sunny locations but tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Keep consistently moist to wet
100% intensity
Ideal for bog gardens, ponds, or consistently damp soil.
Clay, Loam, Sand, Silty
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 3-10. Protect from extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require heavy feeding; benefits from a light feeding in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Acorus calamus thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions. Water frequently, especially during warmer months, ensuring the soil never dries out.
It can tolerate submersion in shallow water, making it an excellent choice for ponds or water features. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
Pruning is primarily for aesthetic purposes or to manage size. Trim away any dead, damaged, or yellowing foliage at any time of year. In spring, you can cut back overgrown clumps to encourage fresh growth.
Heavy pruning is generally not required for this species.
Acorus calamus is easily propagated by division of rhizomes. In spring, carefully dig up the plant and separate the thick, creeping rhizomes into sections, each with at least one growth bud.
Replant divisions immediately in moist soil or water.
Repot container-grown Acorus calamus every 2-3 years, or when the rhizomes begin to fill the pot and emerge from the soil surface. Spring is the ideal time for repotting.
Use a large pot with well-draining soil, or one that allows for shallow water immersion.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Calamus (Acorus calamus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Acorales |
| Family | Acoraceae |
| Genus | Acorus |
| Species | Acorus calamus |
Similar in genus Acorus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
