Tall, grass-like leaves similar to cattails but yellow-green, and very aromatic. The root can be eaten either candied or raw to soothe indigestion, headaches and flatulence. Crystalized root is known as "German Ginger". The distilled root oil is used in the perfume industry and to flavor pipe tobacco. Leaves are used in indigenous peoples purification rituals and as a strewing herb. The root is chewed for energy during arduous tasks and is used as a mordant with bloodroot for dyeing. Native of wetlands, swampy ground. This will grow in running streams as well as raised beds. See Acorus americanus for further discussion and differences.