Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) is an emergent aquatic plant, meaning it lives in shallow water like the edges of lakes and ponds. It reproduces through seed as well as vegetatively, creating large clonal colonies.
It is a host plant to at least seven species of caterpillars, though only four of those are likely to be found in the mid-Atlantic. The large flowers are highly beneficial to pollinators. The seeds are eaten by many waterfowl and various herbivores browse on the leaves. Furthermore, the dynamic aquatic habitat provided by pickerelweed is beneficial to a lot of wildlife.
Pickerelweed produces many seeds that can be eaten raw or cooked. The young leaf-stalks can also be eaten raw or cooked like other greens.
Map Source:
USDA Plants Profile
Photo Credit:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8008092