by Tory Jon | Last Updated: November 16, 2022Pond Academy is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pickerelweed is a beautiful plant with violet flowers that you will simply adore! You'll find this sizeable plant throughout Canada, North America, and even the Caribbean!
The uniqueness of this plant comes from the large 10" arrow-shaped stems and violet flowers. Pickerelweed is a fairly large pond plant, reaching about three feet (1 meter) and up to 4 feet in the right conditions.
The name for this plant is derived from the pickerel fish, commonly known as the northern pike, which finds shade among the thick stems and leaves of this plant.
The nectar this plant produces attracts bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies, which not only adds a living element to your pond but is also good for the environment.
Pickerel Pond Plant
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Scientific Name
Pontederia Cordata
Common Names
Pickerel weed, pickerel rush
Plant Type
Marginal plant/bog plant
Light Requirements
Full sun
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zone 3 - 10
Bloom
June through late October
Grow Up To
4 ft tall in the right conditions
Flower Color
Blue, violet
How to Plant Pickerelweed in a Pond
Pickerelweed is best planted in pots with potting media and a thin layer of small gravel on top (to keep the media from floating out into your pond) and placed around the marginal areas of your pond in 3 to 5 inches of water. Make sure it's in a spot that gets ample sunlight.
Pickerelweed Care Guide
Pickerelweed thrives as long as it has direct sun and water, which usually isn't an issue for most backyard pond settings.
Just keep in mind that Pickerelweed is a fast grower and will require regular trimming to prevent it from choking out other plants in your pond. Be sure to remove and properly discard any clippings away from the water so they don't decompose in your pond and potentially cause water quality issues.
Pickerelweed is a hardy plant and will typically overwinter in your outdoor pond without a problem. Simply ensure the plant's crown is underwater and doesn't freeze over.
Pickerel Pond Plant
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Pickerelweed Care Card
Download our free printable care card for the Pickerelweed plant! Click the care card below and save the PDF file to your computer. You can easily print off the 3x5 care card or access it right from your phone. Get all the important information you need to keep your Pickerelweed plants healthy and happy!
Plus, we provide a blank card for you to print and fill out yourself. Print it as many times as you like to create cards for all your plants!
Pond Plant Care Card Set
Pickerelweed Plant FAQs
How do you divide Pickerelweed??
To divide Pickerelweed, dig up the plant or remove it from its aquatic pot and cut through the roots creating another section of leaves and roots. You can then replant both sections, give one to a friend, or discard it.
Is Pickerelweed invasive?
Pickerelweed is a very common plant native to North America, so it is not invasive.
Is Pickerelweed edible?
Pickerelweed is edible for both humans and animals too. You can take the seeds from the flower and roast them, consume them raw, add them to your homemade granola, or grind them into flour.
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