Pickerelweed is a striking aquatic wildflower that lines the shores of ponds, lakes, and slow rivers with spikes of brilliant violet-blue flowers from July through October. It is a native and important component of freshwater wetlands across eastern North America. The seeds are eaten by waterfowl and the dense stands provide cover for frogs, fish, and insects.
Best time to see a Pickerelweed
The best time to see a Pickerelweed is May–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 39,244 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pickerelweed? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Pickerelweed sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Pickerelweed? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Pickerelweed is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.