<< PREV Image 1 of 3 NEXT >>
Pontederia cordata - Pickerelweed

« Previous Plant  |   Next Plant »

Native Wetland Plants

Pontederia cordata

Pickerelweed

More About Pickerelweed

Pontederia cordata, Pickerelweed, is a common sight in quiet fresh water areas. Shallow water is the habitat for this beautiful species. The native forms are usually shades of blue-purple, but we also have the uncommon white form.  Pontederia cordata flowers from summer to fall, with the flower stalks reaching to about 2 feet above the water. The smooth green leaves look almost tropical. Pickerelweed provides food and shelter for many animals. Nectar feeding insects visit the flowers and fish lurk in the shade of the foliage. Small fish find protection in the thicker areas of Pickerelweed while larger predatory fish, like Bass and Pickerel hide in the more open edges, waiting to ambush prey. The seeds have been eaten and the young shoots cooked as greens. Pickerelweed is excellent for absorbing nutrients from water and improving water clarity. For maximum nutrient removal, the top growth can be cut off and removed (composted) before the plants die back in the fall. This is a common species for bio-purification systems.

Bloom Color

Blue

Pontederia cordata Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure
Sun
Partial Shade
Mature Height
2' - 4'
Spread Characteristics
Rhizomatous - Med
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Spring
Summer
Fall
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Spring
Summer
Fall
Pond Zonation
Low Marsh 0 - 6"
Open Water 12" - 6'
Shallow Water 6" - 12"
Foliage Color
Green
Wildlife Benefits
Amphibians
Bees/Pollinators
Butterflies
Cover
Fish
Food
Nesting
Waterfowl
Wetland Indicator Status
OBL
Plant Type
Bog/Marsh
Flowering Perennial
Marginal
Attributes
Bio Remediation
Container
Cut Flower
Dried Flower
Erosion Control
Fibrous Roots
Focal Point
Great Foliage
Mass Planting
Native
Naturalizing
Ornamental Flower
Specimen
Storm Water Basin
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11