Species › Plants › Pickerelweed

Pickerelweed

Pontederia cordata

CommonPlant
Illustration of Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

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.

Habitat
Pond shores, lake margins, and slow streams across eastern North America
Diet
Seeds eaten by waterfowl; dense cover for frogs, fish, and invertebrates
How common
Common

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.

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