Species that belong to this family and occur in New Brunswick (Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)and Water Stargrass (Heteranthera dubia)) have the following in common:
Non-woody (herbaceous) perennials of shallow water and muddy shorelines, aquatic or emerging from the water when water levels drop; with creeping rhizomes. Leaves hairless, with parallel veins; base of leaf sheathing; leaf edges smooth.
Flowers that open are usually held above water at the top of the stem, brightly coloured, showy, often emerging from a leaf-like bract (spathe) that is folded or clasping; each flower producing both pollen and seeds. Sepals and petals each 3, both petal-like, similar to one another (tepals), fused at base to form a tube or funnel with 6 lobes at the top. Stamens in multiples of 3, some shorter than others, attached to the tepals. Carpels 3, fused to form 1 pistil; ovary located above the point of attachment of the other flower parts (superior), with 3 chambers; style 1.

Showy blue-purple flowers in dense spikes 5-15 cm long and 2-3 cm wide at top of stem. Flowers have 2 lips; upper with 3 lobes united nearly half their length and 2 yellow spots, lower 3 nearly separate lobes. Flowers occasionally white. Flower buds often with long, soft hairs. Flowering stems above water; single bract below spike.

Shallow, still or slow-moving water of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams

Leaves mostly above water, on long, underwater stalks. Leaves firm, waxy, 6-22 cm long, 2.5-15 cm wide, arrow- to heart-shaped at maturity. Leaf veins parallel, mostly curved arising from end of leaf stalk.

In large colonies in shallow water, rooted in mud, sand or soil beneath the water; arising from creeping rhizomes.
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tn-pontedaria-cordata-1st-eel-lk-nb2-accdc-sean-blaney-2006-07-28-2

TN Pontedaria cordata-1st Eel Lk NB2 ACCDC Sean Blaney 2006-07-28

Pontedaria cordata-1st Eel Lk NB2 ACCDC Sean Blaney 2006-07-28

Pontederiaceae

Pickerelweed Family