Pickerelweed

(Pontederia cordata)

 

   

 

 

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Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L.)

Identification: An aquatic species found in calm, shallow water. Flowers violet with 6 narrow petals. Flowers arranged in a densely packed spike at the apex of the plant. Leaves elongate, large, arrowhead-shaped. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: Pickerelweed is typically found along the shores of ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers.

Flowering period: June to October.

Similar Species: The large arrowhead-shaped leaves and the spikes of violet to purple flowers are distinctive features of this species.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

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