Freshwater and oligohaline tidal marshes, tidal swamps, alluvial swamps, depression ponds, impoundments, calcareous marshes and fens, and rocky and sandy river shores. Common in the Virginia Coastal Plain; infrequent in the outer Piedmont; rare in the inner Piedmont and mountains
Butterflies and bumblebees visit the blooms for nectar. Members of the genus Pontederia support the following specialized bee: Florilegus condignus. Seeds are eaten by ducks. Under the water, the plants provide some shelter for fish. Dragonflies and damselflies lay eggs on the stems
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Resident (non-migratory) Canada geese will eat the newly-sprouted plants in the spring. If possible, protect the plants until the sprouts become more substantial
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.