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