Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pickerel weed
BeginnerPontederia cordata
A North American emergent plant (Japanese name Nagabamizuaoi) that holds glossy heart- to arrow-shaped leaves above the water and produces spikes of soft blue-violet flowers from June to October. Cold-hardy, it suits pond margins and large containers.
About
Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata, Pontederiaceae), called Nagabamizuaoi in Japan, is a perennial emergent plant centred on eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida, Texas and the Caribbean and extending to South America. It forms colonies along pond and lake margins and quiet waters. Rooted in mud, it grows about 60–120 cm tall, up to about 1.5 m. Its glossy leaves range from heart-shaped with rounded bases to narrow arrowheads, about 6–25 cm long. From June to October cylindrical spikes 5–15 cm long rise well above the water, densely packed with small soft blue-violet flowers; the upper tepal bears a yellow-green blotch, and each flower lasts one day. Narrow-leaved plants are sometimes separated as var. lancifolia. It flowers best in full sun and is cold-hardy. Plant it in mud at a pond edge or in a container of rich soil set 8–13 cm under water. In good conditions rhizomes spread into colonies, so grow it in containers if spread is a concern. It has the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In Japan it is sold by garden centres as an aquatic plant and used in biotopes.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Pickerel weed
The Pickerel weed grows to 60–120 cm tall (up to about 1.5 m).
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern North America to the Caribbean and South America
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
60–120 cm tall (up to about 1.5 m)
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Plant in rich soil
Growing Tips
Lighting
Needs full sun for good flowering.
CO2 & Fertilizer
No CO2 needed; plant in rich, organic loam.
Water Temperature & Quality
Cold-hardy (USDA zones 3–10); a deciduous perennial that dies back in winter and resprouts in spring.
Substrate & Attachment
Plant in spring in mud at a pond edge, or in a container set 8–13 cm under water.
Trimming & Propagation
Rhizomes spread, so divide in spring when crowded; grow it in a container to limit spread.
Cautions
Few serious pests or diseases, but watch for spider mites. Do not plant or dump it in natural waters.
Pickerel weed FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Pickerel weed?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Pickerel weed get?
The mature size of Pickerel weed is 60–120 cm tall (up to about 1.5 m). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Pickerel weed?
Pickerel weed: watering & fertilizer — Plant in rich soil. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Pickerel weed?
The price of Pickerel weed varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. It is not on the Ministry of the Environment's alien species list (2nd ed., September 2026), but as a North American alien plant it should not escape: Do not plant or dump it in ponds, rivers or ditches; dry unwanted plants before disposing of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act) / Ministry of the Environment: alien species list, plants (2nd ed.)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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