Calamus, more commonly known as Sweet Flag, is a semi-aquatic plant found alongside ponds and streams. Other common names in use for this plant, such as Sweet Rush and Cinnamon Sedge, refer to the sweet aroma of the dried calamus root and its use in flavoring beverages. Another nickname, German ginger, refers to the fact that the powdered calamus root is an ingredient in some European wines and aperitifs. Calamus root uses also include substitution for ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, ginger.