Pontederia cordata (Pickerel Weed) is a vigorous, marginal aquatic perennial forming a clump of erect, heart-shaped, shiny, jade green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm). Free flowering from early summer to fall, erect spikes, 6 in. long (15 cm), densely packed with tiny tubular deep blue flowers rise above the water surface. They bloom in succession from the bottom up, extending the flowering period for several days. The blossoms give way to edible seeds, which can be eaten like nuts. The young leafstalks can be cooked as greens. Pickerel Weed is regarded as one of the mainstays of the water garden pond

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant thrives in baskets of fertile loam, in shallow water, up to 12 in. deep (30 cm). Outside of containers, rhizomes can spread rapidly to form colonies when happy.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by division in spring as growth starts or propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe.
• Native from eastern North America to the Caribbean.