Acorus calamus is a rhizomatous, iris-like herb. This plant does well in wet soils, shallow water, ditches, marshes, river edges, and ponds. When the leaves are crushed or bruised, it produces a sweet tangerine-like scent.
Also provides good habitat for waterfowl. Muskrats eat the rhizomes while wood ducks consume the seed.
For more information on this plant, visit the USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACCA4