Sagittaria subulata, Sagittaria subulata var. pusilla, Awl-leaf arrowhead, Dwarf sagittaria
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Atlantic coast of the USA (Massachusetts to Louisiana), Colombia and Venezuela
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
15–28°C
pH
6–8
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 helpful
Care
Sagittaria pusilla is now treated as a synonym of Sagittaria subulata, the dwarf sagittaria or awl-leaf arrowhead. We have kept the list name as the page title; see Sagittaria subulata for the full account. It is an easy grassy plant that spreads by short runners into a low, dense lawn. Plant it in the foreground in small clumps about 2–4 cm apart. In good light it stays short; in poor light or as it ages it can grow much taller, up to about 40 cm. In the wild it grows mainly in shallow, often brackish coastal water, so it tolerates hard and slightly salty water. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittariasubulata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by short runners; separate rooted daughter plants and replant them.
Compatibility and tank mates
Usually left alone by fish; digging species may uproot young plants. Suits most community, shrimp and lightly brackish tanks.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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