Japanese Sweet Flag Acorus gramineus

Acorus gramineus is not a grass but is grown as an ornamental grass for its foliage. Acorus gramineus grows well in many conditions including wet, boggy sites and actually prefers damp soil. This plant can handle up to 4 inches of standing water; it does not perform well in dry soils. Even though Acorus gramineus likes full sun, it does not like the heat: make sure that it can have shade in the afternoon or even just dappled sunlight to avoid the intensity of the afternoon sun if the climate is quite hot. When planting, space 8-12 inches apart. This plant spreads by rhizomes. 

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.  

Plants with similar conditions: Carex