Pontederi cordata L., commonly called Pickerel Weed (Pickerelweed) or Pickerel rush is an aquatic plant, endemic to North-East America, but nowadays also found in Europe and Asia. The genus Pontederi has been named by the great Carl Linnaeus in honour to the Italian botanist Giuilo Pontedera (1688-1757). The aquatic plant, with its beautiful flowers, is called Pickerel Weed, because Pickerels (pike)
and also other fishes like to hide in the clumps. The seeds and young leaves of the Pickerel Weed are edible.

Inflorescences reach lengths up to about 15 cm and carry multiple, small blue flowers, which open successively from the bottom up. Flowering period: July - October. Pontederi cordata (Pickerel Weed) requires wet soil and may be cultivated in a pond. The aquatic plant needs a location in full sun and will not accept a place in shade.

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Pickerel Weed (Pontederi cordata L.)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Pickerel Weed (Pontederi cordata L.)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee