Pontederia Cordata
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Leaf Voucher
The "Pickerel Weed"
leaf color: deep green, glossy
flower color: blue-violet with two yellow spots
plant height: typically 2-4 feet tall
leaf height: up to 10in
type: Herbaceous perennial
bloom time: June to October
The Pontederia Cordata was collected by scientist Amani Hendricks in a stream on the grounds of MICDS in Saint Louis, Missouri. This specimen can be found in a stream between May Hall and Warson Rd.
on a stream of water
Pickerelweed commonly grows on muddy shorelines of ponds or lakes, especially along the edges of slow streams. The plant grows in a large bunch or busy, but it is not considered invasive. The leaves and flower are found above the water level. Pickerel weed plants can grow up to 4ft and it spreads about 2ft out in diameter.
plant bush
Attracted Species
Attracted Species
Bumblebees, butterflies, and moths are the most common species attracted to this plant.
The Pickerelweed Long-Horned Bee exclusively feeds their young pickerel weed pollen.
Pollination Efficiency
Pollination Efficiency
The yellow spots on the flower help guide bees to the center, making pollination more efficient.
Questions that you might be wondering...
Is the plant edible?
Yes, technically the leaves would make for a nice salad!
Where does the Pickerel Weed get its name from?
The name comes from a fish species called the Pickerel Fish, this plant and animal species are known to coexist.
Is this species native to Missouri?
Yes, it is a pond/wetland plant that is native to many states in the Midwest.
Works Cited
“Pickerel Weed.” Missouri Department of Conservation, https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/pickerel-weed#:~:text=Pickerel%20weed%20has%20bold%2C%20shiny,or%20wetland%20plant%20in%20Missouri.
“Pontederia Cordata.” Pontederia Cordata (Pickerelweed, Pickerel Weed) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pontederia-cordata/.
All images photographed by Amani Hendricks
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