Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as pickerelweed features a display of lush, green, heart-shaped leaves that form a thick basal clump. Each leaf showcases a long and slightly rounded tip with smooth margins and a pointed base that tapers to create a stalk-like petiole. The foliage is glossy and has a slightly waxy texture, which can sometimes give the appearance of water beading on the surface. Pickerelweed is distinguished by its striking flower spikes, which bear a multitude of small, violet-blue blooms. These flowers are dense and are arranged in a cylindrical shape along the spike, unfolding in a tiered fashion from bottom to top. Each individual flower has a tubular structure with a flared upper lip and a more narrow, concealed lower lip, creating a delicate and ornamental look. The flower spikes extend upward from the leaf clump, adding a vertical aspect to the plant's overall form. The blooms are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making the plant a lively addition to water-side gardens. Adding to its charm, pickerelweed produces these showy floral displays throughout the summer months, providing a sustained burst of color at the water's edge. Below the surface, pickerelweed boasts a robust root system, with thick rhizomes anchoring it into the soft, wet soil typically found along bodies of fresh water. This root structure not only helps to stabilize the plant but also contributes to its ability to spread and form sizable colonies over time.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pontederiaceae.
Synonyms
Pickerelweed, Pickerel Weed, Heartleaf Pickerelweed, Heartleaf Pickerel Weed, Pickerel Rush, Blue Pickerelweed.
Common names
Unisema cordata, Pontederia angustifolia, Pontederia lanceolata, Pontederia ovata, Piaropus cordatus.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Pontederia cordata is Pickerelweed. Pickerelweed is not typically known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity or poisoning from ingestion of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities might occur, so it is generally advised not to eat plants that are not commonly recognized as food without proper knowledge or guidance.
To pets
Pickerelweed is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is limited information on its effects if ingested by pets such as dogs or cats; however, it is generally not listed among plants that are hazardous to pets. If an animal does eat a large quantity of pickerelweed or any non-typical food, they might experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply due to the ingestion of non-dietary material. It is always best to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants as a precaution and to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested something that may be harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-10
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Water quality improvement: Pontederia cordata can absorb excess nutrients from water, reducing algal blooms and improving water clarity.
- Erosion control: The plant's dense root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion along riverbanks and water bodies.
- Habitat for wildlife: Pickerelweed provides shelter and breeding grounds for various aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, and insects.
- Aesthetic value: With its attractive blue-violet flowers, pickerelweed adds beauty to ponds, water gardens, and naturalized areas.
- Support for pollinators: Flowering pickerelweed is a food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
- Water filtration: Pickerelweed can help filter and clean water by trapping sediment and other particles with its roots and foliage.
- Cultural and educational uses: Pickerelweed is often used in educational programs to teach about wetland ecology and plant biology.
- Food source: Some cultures utilize parts of the pickerelweed plant as a food source.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pontederia cordata, commonly known as pickerelweed, can be used as an ingredient in composting or mulch, contributing nutrients and organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
- The plant serves as a natural dye source; the blue-purple flowers of pickerelweed can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics and textiles.
- Pickerelweed seeds can be used in homemade granola or baked goods; they need to be cooked before consumption and can add a nutty flavor.
- The dried seed pods and stems are used in floral arrangements and crafts, especially in creating natural and rustic decorative pieces.
- Leaves of pickerelweed may be used as natural wrapping materials for outdoor cooking, providing a protective and aromatic layer for food.
- Pickerelweed provides habitat and nesting materials for wildlife; its dense foliage offers shelter and material for birds and other creatures to build nests.
- In some cultures, pickerelweed is used in fish traps due to its dense growth, which can help guide fish into designated areas in small-scale fishing practices.
- The plant has been used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on the banks of ponds, lakes, and streams due to its robust root system.
- Creative gardeners can use pickerelweed to design a water-themed garden area; the plant's affinity for water and lush growth makes it a centerpiece for such landscapes.
- Pontederia cordata acts as a seasonal indicator plant; its blooming pattern can be used by gardeners to determine the ideal timing for planting certain types of crops that thrive in similar conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pickerelweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pickerelweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity and togetherness: Pontederia cordata, commonly known as Pickerelweed, grows in clumps in aquatic environments. This trait symbolizes cohesion and the strength found in unity, suggesting that individuals thrive when surrounded by community and solidarity.
- Nourishment and providing for others: The Pickerelweed's seeds and tubers are food sources for wildlife, which signifies the importance of nurturing and caring for others, both in terms of physical sustenance and emotional support.
- Serenity and peace: As a water plant, the Pickerelweed is often associated with tranquil water settings, symbolizing peace, tranquility, and calmness, offering a reminder of the need for relaxation and introspection in one's life.
- Adaptability and resilience: This plant thrives in a variety of wet conditions, which embodies adaptability and the capability to endure and prosper in varying environments or situations.
WaterThe Pickerelweed should be kept in consistently moist or shallow water, making it an ideal plant for a water garden or wetland area. It does best when the soil is never allowed to dry out, so frequent watering is required, especially in drier conditions. The plant is typically found in its natural habitat either partially or fully submerged, so it can handle significant amounts of water. When grown in a container pond or water feature, ensure the crown of the plant is submerged by 2 to 6 inches of water. For maintenance in aquatic settings, adding approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water weekly or as needed to maintain the water level can be sufficient depending on climate and evaporation rates.
LightPickerelweed thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. Placing Pickerelweed in a location with less light may result in fewer flowers and reduced growth.
TemperaturePickerelweed prefers warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10, which means it can withstand minimum temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (cold winter conditions) and enjoys the summer heat up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPickerelweed benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and to encourage additional blooms throughout the growing season. Deadheading, the process of removing old flower spikes, can be done regularly. Cut back the foliage at the end of the growing season, typically in late fall, to keep the plant tidy and to help prevent rot and disease that can occur over winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPickerelweed thrives in loamy, fertile soil with good moisture retention. The best soil mix is one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPickerelweed typically doesn't need frequent repotting as it's often grown in water gardens, but if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot is recommended.
Humidity & MistingPickerelweed is a wetland plant and as such, it thrives in high humidity environments. Mimicking a natural humid, wetland setting will benefit this plant's growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide ample sunlight and keep soil moist for indoor Pickerelweed.
Outdoor
Plant Pickerelweed in a pond or wetland, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-11 USDA
Life cyclePontederia cordata, commonly known as Pickerelweed, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, typically occurring when water temperatures are warm in the late spring or early summer. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants, growing submerged or partially submerged in fresh water environments. As the plant matures, it develops a strong root system and produces lance-shaped leaves along with a sturdy stem that can emerge above the water's surface. During the summer, Pickerelweed produces distinctive blue to purple flower spikes that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that will either drop nearby to produce new plants the following season or can be dispersed by water currents or wildlife. Pickerelweed is a perennial, and its foliage dies back in the autumn with the root system remaining dormant through the winter until the next growth cycle begins in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method to propagate Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) involves the division of its rhizomes, typically conducted in late winter to early spring before the growing season begins. To propagate by division, the plant should be carefully dug up and the clump should be divided into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can be immediately replanted in a site with full to partial sunlight and moist soil, ideally with a depth of about 2 to 3 inches (about 5 to 7.5 centimeters) to support new growth. Care should be taken to keep the soil consistently wet or even slightly flooded, mimicking the plant's natural aquatic habitat. This method allows the Pickerelweed to multiply effectively, ensuring the continued health and spread of this native aquatic species in suitable environments.