Pontederia
( pon - teh - DEER - ee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Pickerel Weed, this aquatic perennial needs full sun or light shade. It is native to eastern North America, and reaches 3-4 feet tall and 2-2.5 feet wide when mature, blooming from late spring through fall. Flowers are blue-purple typically, but can also come in pink or white depending on the species and varietal. This plant is great at adding interest to pools of water, and will go dormant in wintertime. These plants are not considered toxic, and are actually consumed in some cases (eaten raw or cooked). However, heavy metals or other sediments in the water where Pickerel Weed grows can leach into plant material.
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Pontederia species and varietals
The genus Pontederia is the type member of the plant family Pontederiaceae and includes 27 distinct species. Pickerel Weed grows best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2 (To find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
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Pontederia azurea (Anchored Water Hyacinth, Water Orchid, Floating Water Hyacinth) These plants are free floating aquatic perennials produce waxy green leaves with a rounded shape, and a long flowering stem that rises above the water's surface. Flowers are lavender-blue with yellow blotches at their centers. These plants are considered invasive in some areas of the world, especially when they escape cultivation. |
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Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed, Pickerel Weed) These emergent plants grow in flooded conditions, and is often found in areas where water level fluctuates naturally. Flowers bloom in late summertime, and are purple with yellow markings. Fruits follow blooms. These plants are popularly used in garden ponds and other water features. |
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Pontederia crassipes (Eichhornia crassipes) (Common Water Hyacinth) These free-floating perennial aquatic plants are native to tropical and subtropical South America, and produce broad, thick green leaves. Flowering stems can rise above the water's surface up to 3 feet. Flowers are lavender to pink in color. These are some of the fastest growing plants in the world, able to reproduce by runners or stolons; mats can double in size in just one to two weeks' time. |
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Pontederia sagittata These perennials form basal leaves that are sometimes reddish, and inflorescences that hold more than 50 flowers each. Blooms are blue, lilac or white, and bloom in terminal spikes. These plants are native to Mexico through Central America, down to eastern and southern Brazil. It is typically found growing along the edges of rivers, lagoons, ponds, and swamps in its native range. |
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Pontederia vaginalis (Heartshape False Pickerelweed, Oval-Leafed Pondweed) These plants are native to Asia and the Pacific Islands, and is known as an introduced (and usually invasive) species in many areas around the world, including the United States. The species can produce annual or perennial plants with shiny green leaves and purple-blue flowers that open while the inflorescence is still under the water's surface. |
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Caring for Pontederia cordata
Plant these aquatic beauties in pots submerged in at least a foot of water.
Harvesting Pontederia
The young leafstalks can be eaten raw (with the unripe fruits stripped off) or cooked. The seeds are edible raw, and can be ground into grain.
Harvesting Pontederia
The young leafstalks can be eaten raw (with the unripe fruits stripped off) or cooked. The seeds are edible raw, and can be ground into grain.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 524 - 525, Pontederia cordata
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