Alligator Flag

Used for wetland restoration. Attractive for planting in surface water management ponds.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.



Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Dies back in the winter.

Provides hiding areas for water birds some of which hide their nests in patches of this tall plant.

Marshes, swamps, roadside ditches. Usually in areas with relatively high nutrients and relatively high light. Rarely under a dense canopy.

• Showy flowers, Interesting foliage
• Host plant for Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius).  
• Single gray eggs are laid on the leaves. After emerging, Brazilian Skipper caterpillars make shelters out of leaves by folding the leaves over and securing them with silk. The caterpillars emerge from their shelters at night to feed, often causing severe defoliation. (North American Butterfly Association)