Pickerel weed is an aquatic herb that has arrow or heart shaped leaves (4-10 inches long) along the stalk, extending above the water. The veins are unbranched and run more or less parallel to the long axis of the leaf border. A spike of blue or violet flowers at the end of the leaf stalks rise above the water as well. The flowers are funnel shaped, and the seeds can be eaten like nuts and were ground into flour by Early Americans. The plant can be eaten cooked and the leaves can be used in salad. Pickerel weed is found in freshwater marshes, edges of ponds, lakes and streams. It grows in the water in the wooded area of our wetlands.