Calamus, also known as sweet flag or single-vein sweetflag, is botanically known as Acorus calamus or Acorus americanus. It is from the Arum family of plants and is native to the United States.
Calamus Description
Growing up to five feet tall, this grass-like perennial is aromatic and has tiny yellow-green flowers. The flower stalk resembles the leaves. Bloom season is between June and August.
Growing Guide for Calamus
Calamus prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade lighting and a moist or wet acidic soil. Propagate by root cuttings or by seed. Seeds are sparse, but germinate well.
Distribution
Calamus can be found throughout the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Native Plant Argument
There is a growing argument whether this is a real native plant or if it is a very early introduction. Botanists are divided on it being a North American native plant or an Eurasia naturalized plant.
Classification
Kingdom Plantae- Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta- Vascular plants
Superdivision Spermatophyta- Seed plants
Division Magnoliophyta- Flowering plants
Class Liliopsida- Monocotyledons
Subclass Arecidae
Order Arales
Family Acoraceae- Calamus family
Genus Acorus L.- sweetflag
Species Acorus calamus L.- calamus
Source: NPIN
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACCA4