Acorus

Has an iris-like growth habit,with unusual but inconspicuous flowers in summer. The strongly aromatic leaves were, in former times, strewn on the floor of cottages to serve as an air freshener. Roots are said to produce an exudate which prevents mosquite larvae from developing. It may be possible to control mosquito larvae in small bodies of water by planting sweet flag around the edges. We do not have information on the quantity of plants required to achieve control, although after a sweet flag plant was placed in a mosquito larvae-infested tub of water, the larvae disappeared and did not return. For moist to wet soil or shallow water.

Like the species, above, but with leaves attractively striped with white.

A handsome, evergreen, grass-like aquatic or wetland perennial. The shiny, deep green leaves grow in a circular clump of broad, upright fans. The foliage, when rubbed or bruised, brings forth a pleasant scent of licorice or anise. The insignificant flowers, shaped like little horns, are produced in midsummer on hollow, upright stems. Usually only plants grown in water produce flowers. Spreads by rhizomes, eventually forming a seamless turf which can serve as a beautiful groundcover. Tolerant of some shade. May be grown in moist to wet soil, or in water to 3-6" deep. Used in Thai cuisine for flavoring rice dishes, or may be eaten as a fresh nibble from the garden