Pickerel-weed
Pontederia cordata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pontederia cordata (Pickerel-weed) is a native aquatic perennial blooming blue-purple spikes from June through August across eastern and central North America. This wetland forb attracts bees and butterflies while thriving in shallow water and wet soils.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Pickerel-weed as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pickerel-weed is an aquatic perennial that produces tall spikes of bright blue flowers from summer through early fall. This wetland plant thrives in shallow water or consistently wet soil and forms attractive clumps with heart-shaped leaves.
Growing Pickerel-weed
Grow Pickerel-weed in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pickerel-weed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires standing water or bog conditions
- May appear unkempt in typical yard settings
- Limited to specialized wetland gardens
Wildlife value
The blue flower spikes attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.
Common questions
- When does Pickerel-weed bloom?
- Pontederia cordata blooms from June through August, producing distinctive blue to purple flower spikes.
- Where is Pickerel-weed native?
- Pickerel-weed is native to 39 states across eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, North Dakota, and Kansas.
- What pollinators visit Pickerel-weed?
- Bees and butterflies are primary pollinators of Pontederia cordata, attracted to its nectar-rich flower spikes.
- What growing conditions does Pickerel-weed need?
- Pickerel-weed requires consistently wet to aquatic conditions and tolerates full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for pond edges and wetland gardens.
- Is Pickerel-weed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Pickerel-weed as toxic to livestock.
- Is Pickerel-weed HOA-friendly?
- Pickerel-weed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pickerel-weed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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