Pickerel weed is a gorgeous water plant that will attract a bounty of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The unusual blue flowers will be present all of July and August. It works very well in container gardening. Choose a decorative pot that lacks drainage holes and don't let it dry out. Like many water plants, pickerel weed spreads by long-running rhizomes and can form large colonies. These colonies can provide cover for fish and wildlife. The whole plant is considered to be edible. The nutty flavored seeds can be eaten raw or roasted and are often consumed by ducks.