Pontederia cordata
Pickerelweed
General
A perennial aquatic plant native to North America. It features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that rise above the water on stout stalks, supporting spikes of lavender-blue flowers in summer. Found in shallow waters of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, pickerelweed provides habitat for aquatic wildlife and adds visual interest with its vibrant blooms. Excellent for uptake of dissolved phosphorus. Attracts some bees/pollinators.
Plant Description
Bright purple inflorescences bloom in summer. Thick leaves with a wide variation in size and shape throughout different populations. Thick rounded stems stick out in chaotic patterns. Will often grow in large groups, and up to 3' tall.
Height (ft)
3'
Soil moisture
Water
Soil types
Mucky
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Tolerant (Full Sun to Partial Shade)
Bloom color
Purple
Bloom period
Summer
Drought tolerance
None
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Throughout the eastern United States, mainly on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and surrounding the Great Lakes. Some disjunct populations scattered throughout the eastern inland until the Great Plains. Introduced on the Pacific Coast.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to the American Indian Health and Diet Project, pickerelweed's young, unfurled leaves can be eaten raw in salads or as a boiled vegetable. The nut-like fruits can be eaten raw or roasted and ground into a flour. The Micmac, Malecite and other tribes used this species as a contraceptive.