Pontederia cordata
Copyright, Vic Ramey, University of Florida
Pickerelweed is an
aquatic
plant which grows three to four feet tall. Usually, you only
see one or two feet, because the rest is
underwater. Pickerelweed
leaves
are large and heart-shaped, growing up to 10 inches long.
They have a long petiole
(leaf stem). Pickerelweed grows in
shallow freshwater, such as marshes,
pond edges, lakes, and streamsides. This plant is most often
recognized by its beautiful flowers. Pickerelweed has large
spikes with clusters
of violet-blue flowers. Each flower is small, less than half
an inch wide. It has two small yellow spots on one
petal. The nectar
of Pickerelweed flowers attracts many insects, including
bees and butterflies. Pickerelweed has long
light green stems which stretch down under the water to an
underground stem called a rhizome.
Rhizomes grow in the muddy bottom and spread with roots to
send up more Pickerelweed stems to the surface. Micael Clayton, Wisconsin
State Herbarium Kenneth J. Sytsma,
Wisconsin State Herbarium Pickerelweed starts
blooming in June and continues until November. Bees and
other insects pollinate
the flowers. After a flower has been pollinated, it dies and
a fruit grows. The fruits
of this plant are small and contain one seed each. The seeds
are a good food source for ducks and muskrats. Muskrats also eat the
leaves, as do White-tailed Deer and geese. The leaves and stems of
Pickerelweed provide good cover
for birds, swimming mammals,
fish, reptiles,
amphibians,
and insects. The stems of Pickerelweed
keep the leaves and flowers above water. This plant is
perennial,
meaning even though the leaves and stems die in the Winter,
the rhizomes and roots stay alive and start new growth each
year. Pickerelweed often grows
with other water plants, such as Yellow Pond Lily and Arrow
Arum. Robert W. Freckman,
Wisconsin State Herbarium
