The blue-violet flower spikes of this hardy water plant stand out vividly at the edge of a pond or in a small pool. Plants bloom from June through October. Large stands are very showy. Glossy green lance-shaped leaves grow vertically out of the water.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Pickerel Plant
Pontederia cordata
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Wetland, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Blue, Purple
Fall Color:
Hardy From Zone:
Hardy To Zone:
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Hardiness Zones
as defined by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map; (hardiness zones are not recorded for all Grow Native! plants)
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
High, Wet, Aquatic
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
18 to
24
feet
Spread:
24 to
48
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
24
feet
Spread: 24 to
48
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
24
feet
Spread: 24 to
48
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use along shorelines in small or large ponds. Some wildlife feed on the seeds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun or shade in shallow water.
Special Features
Special Usage
Rainscaping, Containers
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.