Contents
Description
Pontederia Cordata, also known as pickerelweed, is a popular aquatic plant that belongs to the Pontederiaceae family. This plant is native to North America, including the United States and Canada, and can be found growing in shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. The plant is named after the Italian botanist, Giulio Pontedera.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Pontederiaceae |
| Genus | Pontederia |
Appearance
Pontederia Cordata is an attractive plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has dark green, heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and smooth. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and can grow up to 1 foot long. The plant produces spikes of blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are shaped like a spike and can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are followed by small, brown, round fruits that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Pontederia Cordata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: This plant prefers to grow in shallow water. Keep the water level about 2-3 inches above the soil level.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers a rich, loamy soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 3-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pontederia Cordata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Pontederia Cordata is native to North America and can be found growing in shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It is commonly used in water gardens and is a popular choice for landscaping around water features.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pontederia Cordata grow in full shade?
A: No, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Pontederia Cordata?
A: The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
Q: How often should I fertilize Pontederia Cordata?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pontederia Cordata?
A: This plant is hardy in zones 3-11.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Pontederia Cordata:- Eichhornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth)- Nelumbo Nucifera (Sacred Lotus)- Nymphaea (Water Lily)- Typha Latifolia (Common Cattail)
References
– “Pontederia cordata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282329- “Pickerelweed.” University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/pontederia-cordata/- “Pontederia cordata.” PlantFiles. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/517/
