Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed or Pickerel Rush) is a striking, pond-loving perennial native to Texas and much of eastern North America. With tall flower spikes in shades of blue, purple, or white rising above heart-shaped leaves, it adds bold texture and color to shallow water edges. This emergent aquatic grows with its roots and stems underwater and its leaves and blooms above, providing food and habitat for waterfowl, bees, butterflies, and dragonflies. Bonus: its seeds are edible and have been traditionally used in salads, cereals, or ground into flour.

Scientific Name: Pontederia cordata

Origin: Texas and Eastern North America

Native Habitat: Marshes, ditches, and shallow pond edges

Height: Up to 4 feet

Spread: 1 to 2 feet (clumping habit)

Light: Full Sun to Part Shade

Water: Moist to Wet (up to 12" underwater)

USDA Zones: 4–10

Bloom: June to September