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.

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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.

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

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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.

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