Wapato

Wapato is an aquatic perennial native to wetlands, marshes, and shallow waterways across North America. It is recognized by its large, elegant arrow-shaped leaves that rise above the water and its showy white, three-petaled flowers, which bloom in summer. The plant spreads by rhizomes and produces starchy tubers that are an important traditional food for many native peoples. Ecologically, wapato provides habitat and cover for fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates, while its flowers support pollinators such as bees and flies. Its ability to thrive in saturated soils makes it a valuable species for wetland restoration and water-quality improvement.