Pickerel Weed

Pontederia cordata

Physical Characteristics

Pontederia cordata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida andTexas. A garden escape occ naturalized in Britain[17]

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw, cooked like rice or dried and ground into a powder[55, 62, 106, 183]. A very acceptable nutty flavour and texture when raw, they are said to be excellent if the seed is lightly roasted in an oven[183]. Young leafstalks - raw or cooked[62]. The whole plant is edible cooked or raw[106]. It can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or added to soups[183].

Medicinal Uses

Contraceptive An infusion of the plant has been used as a contraceptive[257].

Known Hazards

None known