Pontederia dilatata (Royal Pickerelweed)

Pontederia dilatata, commonly known as Royal Pickerelweed, is a native aquatic plant that belongs to the Pontederiaceae family. It is a perennial plant with upright stems and lance-shaped leaves. This plant produces vibrant blue-purple flowers that bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Royal Pickerelweed thrives in wetland habitats, such as ponds, marshes, and along the edges of lakes and streams. It can reach a height of 2-4 feet and spreads about 2-3 feet in width.