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Pickerelweed

How to identify Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed, also known as Heart-leaved pickerel weed

Pickerelweed is a robust perennial that flourishes in wet environments, easily recognizable by its glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves that can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. These leaves are distinctive in their well-defined, heart-shaped bases and the manner in which they protrude above the waterline. From mid-summer to fall, pickerelweed proudly displays dense, vertical spikes adorned with numerous tiny, tubular flowers, each spike measuring 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) in length. The blossoms exhibit a tranquil soft blue, occasionally appearing white, and rise on stalks 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall, well above the surface of the water.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Pickerelweed

1

Distinctive glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.

2

Tubular flowers in soft blue to white hues on stalks 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall.

3

Fruit is oblong, segmented into three cells with unique toothed ridges, appearing from summer to late autumn.

4

Basal leaves are glossy, deep green, egg- to lance-shaped with a distinctive swirling base.

5

Rhizomes are stout and hollow underground; flower stalks above ground are light green and terete.

PickerelweedPickerelweedPickerelweedPickerelweedPickerelweed

Detailed Traits of Pickerelweed

Leaf Features

Pickerelweed has basal leaves that are 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) long and 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) wide, glossy, erect, and deep green. They are egg- to lance-shaped with a heart or wedge-shaped base featuring distinctive swirling. The apex tapers to a point. Leaves are shiny, thick, and spongy, borne on long petioles growing up to 0.9 meters (3 feet) tall, and they arise directly from the rhizomes.

Leaf Shape

Cordate

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Flower Features

The flowers of pickerelweed are characterized by 3 to 6-inch (7.5 to 15 cm) densely packed spikes of bright lavender-blue tubular blooms held above the water. Each 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) flower has 6 petals with two yellow spots on the middle-upper lobe. Blooming occurs from May to October, and the violet flowers, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width, last for only one day. Each inflorescence is 15 to 20 cm long with a stalk of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).

Pickerelweed Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Spike

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Stem Features

The stem of pickerelweed is primarily underground and manifests as rhizomes. These underground rhizomes are stout and hollow, providing a sturdy foundation for the plant. Above ground, the flower stalks are light green and terete (cylindrical), characterized by their hairless and hollow nature. They are relatively thick, enhancing the plant's robust appearance. These structural attributes, including the hairless texture and stout, hollow form, are crucial highlights for identifying this species.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of pickerelweed is a noteworthy feature, presenting as an oblong structure approximately, segmented into three distinct cells. Each cell cradles a single seed, notable for its unique toothed ridges that offer a tactile element to the fruit's otherwise smooth texture. This fruit makes its appearance from the summer months through to late autumn, becoming visible from June and persisting until November. While maturing, the fruit maintains a green hue that seamlessly blends with the plant's foliage.

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Key Facts About Pickerelweed

Attributes of Pickerelweed
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1.2 m
Spread
45 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Pickerelweed

Species
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
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Distribution Map of Pickerelweed

Pickerelweed, a plant natively flourishing in the freshwater habitats of Central and South America, has expanded its reach. It is now introduced and cultivated in various regions throughout Europe, Africa, and parts of Central America. While thriving in its native range, its adaptability has allowed it to be cultivated in a variety of non-native environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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