Pickerel Weed
Pontederia cordata
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Pl. 8942 — Pontederia cordata
Pontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordataPontederia cordata
IOverview
Overview
Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata) is a perennial plant native to wetlands across North and South America, from the southeastern United States through Central America and into South America. It thrives in full sun with light, medium, or heavy soil types, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its ornamental value, this plant also has edible parts, including leaves and seeds, which are used in culinary applications. Its distinctive feature is the vibrant purple flowers that form dense spikes above the waterline, creating a striking visual display in wetland habitats.
Quick answers
What is Pickerel Weed?
Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata) is a perennial plant native to wetlands across North and South America, from the southeastern United States through Central America and into South America. It thrives in full sun with light, medium, or heavy soil types, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pickerel Weed thrives in full sun and requires wet conditions, making it ideal for pond edges or bog gardens. It prefers light to heavy soil types but can adapt to medium textures as well. This perennial grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is hardy from zones 3-11, suitable for temperate regions. Propagation can be done through seeds or division of established plants. Harvest leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pickerel Weed for the first time
7steps
Beginners can start with Pickerel Weed by following these simple steps for a successful planting experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Pickerel Weed plants, containers or soil, water source, and gardening gloves.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light sandy soil, medium soil, or heavy clay soil. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nurseries or divide mature plants in early spring. Plant at the same depth as they were growing.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide full sun exposure for healthy growth. Monitor for signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide plenty of water, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Pickerel Weed leaves and seeds are edible. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, while the seeds are typically dried before consumption. Both parts are often used in soups and stews due to their mild flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas5 regions
native (5)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCubaHonduras
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Michigan, Arkansas, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Minnesota
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8942bfa1-dae7-43b1-8e55-59d051f0f4ac
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