Pontederia cordata

Pontederia cordata is a native wetland plant found throughout the southeast. It grows best in full sun sites that have wet or submerged soils. It has large spade-like leaves and can grow up to four feet tall. It dies back almost completely in the winter. Showy clusters of purple flowers bloom in the late summer and attract many pollinators. Birds (including ducks) eat the seeds in the fall and winter. This plant provides cover for fish, and is a common plant for dragonflies and damselflies to lay eggs on. Pontederia cordata works well for restoration projects and stormwater control, or as a specimen plant in a wet yard.