How to Grow Pickerelweed
iNaturalist
Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata
flowerPickerelweed is an aquatic perennial plant native to North America, prized for its distinctive violet-blue flower spikes and heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in shallow water environments like ponds, marshes, and wetlands, typically growing 2-4 feet tall. This hardy plant attracts pollinators and waterfowl while naturally filtering water and providing aquatic habitat.
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Example Pickerelweed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pickerelweed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Pickerelweed blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pickerelweed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-11, thrives throughout most of North America
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Dormancy/Spring Emergence
3-4 monthsPlant remains dormant underground during winter. New shoots emerge from rhizomes in spring as water temperatures warm.
Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Ensure water doesn't freeze solid over rhizomes in cold climates; mulch or move containers to deeper water.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksHeart-shaped leaves develop on sturdy petioles (leaf stems) rising from the water. Plant rapidly expands horizontally via rhizomes.
Ensure adequate light exposure and water depth. Apply aquatic fertilizer tablets monthly during growing season. Remove damaged leaves.
Budding & Pre-Flowering
2-3 weeksDense flower spikes begin forming at the top of leafless stems. Buds cluster tightly in purple-blue or violet shades.
Continue regular fertilization. Maintain consistent water levels. Ensure full sun exposure to promote abundant blooms.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (with successive blooms)Tubular violet-blue flowers open progressively along 4-6 inch flower spikes. Peak bloom occurs mid to late summer.
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming. Deadheading extends flowering period into fall. Monitor for pests drawn to blooms.
Seed Production & Fall Senescence
4-6 weeksFlowers fade to seed pods. Foliage yellows and dies back as temperatures cool and day length shortens.
Leave seed heads for wildlife or remove to prevent excessive self-seeding. Cut back dead stems in late fall. Protect overwintering rhizomes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and remove affected leaves. Biological control with parasitic wasps. Insecticidal soap in severe cases; rinse off water thoroughly.
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Remove infested plant parts. In ornamental ponds, use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain good water circulation.
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Reduce organic debris in water. Maintain water quality. Usually not damaging enough to require intervention.
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Ensure adequate water circulation and oxygenation. Remove affected foliage promptly. Treat with aquatic fungicide if severe. Reduce plant density if overcrowded.
Uses
Pollinator & Waterfowl Food Source
WildlifePickerelweed attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to its nectar-rich flowers. Seeds and foliage provide food for waterfowl and aquatic wildlife, making it essential in wetland ecosystems and wildlife gardens. [source]
Water Quality Improvement
HouseholdThe extensive root system acts as a natural biofilter in ponds and constructed wetlands, removing excess nutrients, sediments, and some water pollutants. It helps maintain clearer, healthier water naturally. [source]
Traditional Food Use
CulinaryNative American tribes historically harvested pickerelweed seeds and rhizomes as a starch source. The seeds can be ground into flour, though this use is largely historical and not common in modern cooking. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Garden Design
CraftThe striking violet-blue flower spikes and distinctive foliage make pickerelweed valuable for freshwater aquatic gardens, rain gardens, and water feature displays. Cut stems hold well in arrangements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically, pickerelweed roots and leaves were used by indigenous peoples in herbal remedies for treating various ailments, though modern clinical evidence is limited and use is primarily historical. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pickerelweed is not typically harvested for production, but flower stems can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements when blooms are at peak color. Cut stems just above water line using clean scissors. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to promote continuous blooming and maintain plant vigor. In fall, allow some seed heads to remain for wildlife, or cut all foliage back to rhizomes in late fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pickerelweed gets its common name from pickerel fish, which are attracted to shallow water plants like this one—it provides shelter and hunting grounds for these freshwater fish.
- 🌱 The plant's heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 10 inches long and are nearly as striking as the flowers, displaying interesting symmetry and texture even before bloom time.
- 🌱 Pickerelweed is so effective at water filtration that it's widely used in constructed wetlands and stormwater management systems designed to naturally clean runoff water from roads and developed areas.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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