pickerelweed

[ pik-er-uhl-weed, pik-ruhl- ]

noun

1. any American plant of the genus Pontederia, especially P. cordata, having spikes of blue flowers, common in shallow fresh water.

pickerelweed

/ ˈpɪkərəlˌwiːd; ˈpɪkrəl- /

noun

1. any of several North American freshwater plants of the genus Pontederia, esp P. cordata, having arrow-shaped leaves and purple flowers: family Pontederiaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of pickerelweed¹

First recorded in 1645–55; pickerel + weed ¹

Example Sentences

Part of the plan involves reintroducing native plant species that are more appropriate to the site than Phragmites: narrowleaf cattail, pickerelweed, black willow, blue iris, buttonbush and alder.

From Washington Post

Standing on the boardwalk, surrounded by cattail and pickerelweed, Barker explained that the park was formed by a number of sinkholes coming together to create the basin tens of thousands of years ago.

From Washington Post

The floating water lily pads and clumps of pickerelweed in “Passengers” give off a muted glow amid their reflections.

From New York Times

From their goldenrod borders reaches a world of happy whiteness, against sky the color of the pickerelweed flower, waving softly, shadowed only by the plumy clouds.

From Project Gutenberg