Common Name
Pickerel weed
Pickerelweed
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
4.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Commercially available
Yes
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF):
Additional Info
Habitat: Thick rhizomes spread to form large colonies. Its preference is for freshwater depth up to 12 inches in full sun in rich loamy soils.
Wildlife value: Butterflies and bumblebees visit the blooms for nectar. Members of the genus Pontederia support the following specialized bee: Florilegus condignus. Seeds are eaten by ducks. Under the water, the plants provide some shelter for fish. Dragonflies and damselflies lay eggs on the stems. Frogs and salamanders use Pickerel Weed stands for shelter and as attachment sites for their eggs.
Flower Color
Blue
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
In Water
Wet
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Tolerates