Pickerelweed

Did you know

• Each individual flower lasts just one day, but a spike keeps producing new ones for weeks.
• Pickerel fish are said to lurk among its stems — hence the common name.
• Its starchy seeds were ground into flour by several Indigenous peoples of the eastern woodlands.
• It is one of the best native plants for backyard ponds — supports dragonflies, frogs, and pollinators all season.
• The species shows tristyly: three distinct flower forms with stamens and styles at different heights to enforce cross-pollination.

Color meanings

Uses

• water gardens
• wetland restoration
• native pond plantings
• edible seeds (historic)