Pontederia cordata
Pickerel Weed
Elongated heart shaped green leaves bear a lavender purple spiked flower. Flower is about 6 inches long and will indeterminately bloom from the bottom up. This native can be found in shallow, still water. Seeds are edible similar to nuts. Leaf and stems can be cooked as greens. Deer also enjoy this plant, so protection may be needed if heavy deer population is present.