Pontederia cordata

Common Names

Pickerelweed, Pickerel Weed, Pickerel Rush, Heartleaf Pickerelweed

Summary

Pontederia cordata, commonly called pickerelweed, is a native aquatic perennial of the Pontederiaceae family that grows in wetlands, ponds, and along shorelines. It forms dense clumps via thick rhizomes, reaching about 0.75–1.5 m tall, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and spikes of blue to violet flowers that bloom from late spring through fall.

It tolerates full sun and very wet soils, typically in shallow water up to about 12 inches deep, and is hardy in USDA zones 3–10; propagation is by division or seed. It can spread aggressively, so containment is recommended, such as growing in containers or spacing plants about 4 feet apart. Flowers attract butterflies and bees, and the plant provides habitat for various aquatic life, making it a versatile addition to ponds, bogs, and water gardens.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

12-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Rich, loamy, consistently moist to wet soil (pH 6.0–8.0)

Soil Drainage

Water-saturated, consistently moist soil.

Soil pH

6.6-7.5 (neutral)

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds