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.

Pickerel-weed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pontederia cordata

Last reviewed: August 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.

Pickerel-weed (Pontederia cordata) — Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

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 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records 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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