Definition

A type of freshwater plant found mainly in eastern North America, known for its heart-shaped leaves and spikes of violet-blue flowers.

Example

The pickerelweed blooms beautifully in the summer, attracting many pollinators.

Conversation

Have you seen the pickerelweed blooming by the lake?

Yeah, those purple flowers are beautiful this time of year!

I love how they create such a nice contrast with the green leaves.

Definitely! It's one of my favorite sights when we go fishing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pickerelweed is formed from "pickerel" (a type of fish, likely derived from the Middle English *pikerel*, meaning a small pike) and "weed" (from Old English *wēod*, meaning a plant or herb). The word refers to a type of aquatic plant associated with pickerel fish habitats.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'pickerel' fish, which is often found in the same watery places as this 'weed' or plant, helping you remember that pickerelweed is a plant linked to pickerel fish.

Visually Confused Words