Overview
Hydrophyllum spp. is a genus of about eight species of woodland perennials, placed in the borage family Boraginaceae, native to North America. Plants grow 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 m) tall from rhizomes or short rootstocks, forming patches of deeply lobed or pinnately divided leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long. In many species the young leaves carry pale blotches that look like water stains, the source of the common name waterleaf. In late spring and early summer the plants bear rounded, coiled clusters of bell-shaped flowers, white to lavender or pale blue, with stamens that project well beyond the petals to give the cluster a soft, brushy look. The plants grow on moist, shaded forest floors and along stream banks, often spreading into broad colonies. After flowering, the foliage of some species dies back by midsummer as the plants go dormant, leaving gaps in the ground cover. The young leaves and shoots of several species are edible when cooked and were gathered as spring greens. Because they spread by rhizome, the plants can colonize an area densely, which suits naturalistic woodland planting but can crowd smaller neighbors.
Native Range
Hydrophyllum spp. is native to North America, with species spread across the eastern woodlands, the Midwest, and parts of western North America. They grow in rich, moist deciduous forest and along shaded stream banks.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover in shade and woodland gardens, where the lobed foliage and spring flower clusters cover the ground beneath trees and shrubs. The plants suit naturalistic and native plantings and combine with ferns, wild ginger, and other woodland perennials. Summer-dormant species are paired with later plants that fill the gaps they leave.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer, roughly May to June, with coiled clusters of bell-shaped flowers. The bloom lasts two to four weeks. In some species the foliage yellows and dies back soon after flowering as the plant enters summer dormancy.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to lavender or pale blueFoliage Description
green, often pale-mottled when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight