Wapato resembles the potato in texture, but is sweeter in taste. Some native peoples would harvest wapato patches by clearing the area of competing growth to gain access to the tubers. Women would usually harvest in October and November. Since the tubers lay under water, the work was done by canoe, pulling the roots from a kneeling position. Women also wade in the water and dislodge the tubers with the toes. The tubers then float to the surface where they can be gathered.

Water birds like to harvest wapato also, but not all ducks. A two-inch tuber is a lot to swallow whole! Swans and larger ducks, like Canvasbacks, are known to seek them out. Other ducks may take them if they are not too big. Muskrats and Beavers relish "duck potatoes" and will store them in piles called middens to eat later on.

August is a great time to see Arrowhead in bloom. Just put on your boots and head for the nearest lake or stream. Look for this plant along the water's edge and in shallow areas where the bottom is muddy. If you are hungry for "duck potatoes", they won't be at their best until fall, so wait until then to harvest any. But if you do, be sure to leave some for the ducks. FNative/Medicinal Use of Arrowhead