Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)—also called Pickerel Rush and Purple Pickerelweed—a native emergent aquatic with violet-blue flower spikes for pond shelves, shorelines, and rain-garden basins; thrives in 0–12″ of water; low maintenance; Zones 3–10.
North American Native
Hardiness Zone – 3–10
Sun – Full sun to partial shade
Moisture – Aquatic / saturated (0–12″ water depth)
Size – 18–30″ height (to 24–48″ in bloom)
Available: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug
Comments
Violet-blue spikes; strong pollinator draw
Shallow-water filtration and shoreline stabilization
Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed / Pickerel Rush / Purple Pickerelweed) is a showy emergent aquatic perennial for shallow water and saturated soils. Glossy, heart- to lance-shaped leaves rise in tidy clumps, topped from late spring through summer with dense violet-blue flower spikes that draw bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Ideal for pond shelves, shorelines, rain-garden basins, and wetlands, Pickerelweed stabilizes soils, improves water quality, and delivers long-season color with minimal upkeep.
Quick-Glance Specs
Attribute
Details
Botanical Name
Pontederia cordata
Common Name
Pickerelweed; Pickerel Rush; Purple Pickerelweed
Plant Type
Emergent aquatic perennial
Native/Non-native
Native to North America
Hardiness Zone
3–10
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in sun)
Moisture
Aquatic / saturated; thrives in 0–12″ of standing water
Mature Height
18–30″ foliage; 24–48″ in bloom
Mature Spread
18–36″+ clump; short rhizomes
Growth Habit
Upright clumps; slowly colony-forming on suitable shelves
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast (in warm water/seasons)
Fragrance
None to slight
Bloom Time
Late spring/summer to early fall (violet-blue spikes)
Seasonal Interest
Long bloom season; bold foliage; seed heads persist
Mucky to loamy/clayey, organic-rich; tolerates sand with added organics
Water Needs
Constant moisture or shallow standing water
Maintenance
Low; deadhead/trim spent spikes; thin clumps every few years
Deer/Pest Resistance
Generally deer resistant; may be grazed by waterfowl
Container Friendly
Excellent in large aquatic containers/baskets
Recommended Spacing
18–24″ on center along shelves/edges
Care & Growing Information
Site & Light: Plant in full sun for the most flowers; partial shade tolerated, especially in hot climates.
Water Depth: Best with crowns set at or just below the water surface; maintain 0–8″ of water above the crown (tolerates up to ~12″). In rain gardens, site in zones that hold water or remain saturated.
Soil: Use organic-rich, mucky loam; in lined ponds, fill aquatic baskets/containers with heavy loam (not potting mix), top with pea gravel to anchor.
Planting: Place baskets on shallow shelves; for shorelines, set crowns at grade where water levels fluctuate. Water newly set plants until established.
Maintenance:Deadhead to extend bloom and limit self-seeding. Thin or divide every 2–3 years to keep clumps vigorous. Remove tattered foliage in late winter/early spring.
Design Tips: Mass in ribbons along pond edges or interplant with soft rush, irises, and hardy water canna for layered wetland structure and continuous bloom.
Key Features
Dense violet-blue flower spikes beloved by pollinators
Native emergent that filters water and stabilizes shorelines
Thrives in shallow water and fluctuating edges
Low maintenance, long blooming, and container-friendly
Provides habitat and cover for aquatic wildlife
Problems
Few serious issues. Waterfowl (e.g., geese) may graze young shoots; protect new plantings. Reduced flowering in deep shade or if crowns are set too deep. Avoid fast-moving water that uproots baskets.
Uses in the Landscape
Pond shelves and shorelines for color and filtration
Rain-garden basins and bioswales with periodic standing water
Constructed wetlands and stormwater edges for stabilization
Aquatic containers on patios, decks, and water features
Availability / Ordering
Sizes Offered: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug
Recommended Spacing:18–24″ for cohesive, flowering drifts.
Why You’ll Love It
Reliable blue-violet bloom plus lush, architectural foliage
Site-smart solution for shallow water and saturated soils
Easy care—divide occasionally, deadhead, and enjoy months of color
Quick Highlights
A native emergent for shallow water with violet-blue spikes—Pontederia cordata delivers filtration, erosion control, pollinator appeal, and long-season beauty for ponds and rain gardens.
Pontederia cordata, commonly known as Pickerelweed, is a highly valuable native emergent aquatic perennial. Its striking violet-blue flower spikes provide a long season of color from late spring through summer, attracting a wide array of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Pickerelweed plays a crucial role in ecological functions, making it a sought-after plant for various landscape applications.
The plant's glossy, heart- to lance-shaped leaves form tidy clumps, adding a lush, architectural element to water features and saturated landscapes. Its ability to thrive in shallow water (0-12 inches) and saturated soils makes it ideal for pond shelves, shorelines, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands. Pickerelweed is recognized for its low maintenance requirements, contributing to its popularity among landscape professionals and ecological restoration projects.
Ecological Advantages of Pickerelweed
Pickerelweed offers significant ecological advantages, particularly in aquatic and wetland environments. Its dense root system and foliage effectively stabilize shorelines, preventing erosion caused by wave action and water flow. This stabilization is critical for maintaining the integrity of ponds, streams, and constructed water features.
Furthermore, Pontederia cordata acts as a natural water filter. The plant absorbs excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the water, helping to improve water quality and reduce the risk of algal blooms. This filtration capability makes it an excellent choice for stormwater management systems, bioswales, and any area where water purification is a concern.
Cultivation and Care for Pontederia Cordata
Cultivating Pontederia cordata is relatively straightforward, especially for professionals familiar with wetland plants. It thrives in full sun, which promotes the most abundant flowering, though it can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. The ideal soil conditions are organic-rich, mucky loam, but it can adapt to sandy soils if organic matter is amended.
For planting in lined ponds or aquatic containers, a heavy loam is recommended, topped with pea gravel to help anchor the plants. Pickerelweed prefers constant moisture or shallow standing water, typically thriving in depths of 0 to 12 inches. Maintenance is generally low; occasional deadheading of spent flower spikes and thinning of clumps every few years are usually sufficient to maintain plant health and vigor.
Wholesale Availability and Applications of Pickerelweed
Baker Environmental Nursery offers Pontederia cordata in various wholesale sizes, including #1 Gallon, 4″ pots, and DP-50 Plugs, catering to the needs of large-scale landscaping and ecological restoration projects. The recommended spacing for planting is 18–24 inches on center, which allows for the development of cohesive, flowering drifts that maximize visual impact and functional benefits.
Its versatility makes Pickerelweed suitable for a wide range of applications. It is an excellent choice for pond and stream margins, providing color and erosion control. It also performs well in rain-garden basins and bioswales that experience periodic standing water, as well as in constructed wetlands and stormwater edges. Additionally, Pickerelweed can be successfully grown in aquatic containers, adding beauty and ecological function to patios and water features.
