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Hydrophyllum appendiculatum

great waterleaf

Boraginaceae

East-central United States and southern Ontario

Attracts Pollinators

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum is a biennial wildflower in the borage family (Boraginaceae), reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall. In its first year it forms a rosette of broad, maple-like leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) wide with five to seven toothed lobes, often mottled with pale, water-stained markings that give the genus its common name. In the second year branched, hairy stems carry loose clusters of bell-shaped flowers, each 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across in pale violet to lavender, with five lobes and protruding stamens tipped by blue pollen. The flowers open in late spring and draw bumblebees and other native bees. After flowering the plant sets seed and dies. It grows in moist, rich deciduous woods, floodplains, and shaded ravines, often in colonies on leaf-littered ground. One limitation is its biennial life cycle and its need for shade and steady moisture, so it persists in a garden only where it can self-sow in cool, damp soil.

Native Range

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum is native to the east-central United States and southern Ontario, from the Great Lakes and Appalachian region west to the eastern Great Plains. It grows in moist, shaded deciduous woodlands and floodplains.

Suggested Uses

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum is used in shade and woodland gardens, native plant borders, and naturalized plantings under deciduous trees. It suits moist, shaded ground alongside ferns and spring ephemerals. The biennial cycle and need for shade limit its use to informal, self-sowing colonies.

How to Identify

First-year rosettes have broad, maple-like leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) wide with five to seven toothed lobes and pale, mottled markings. Second-year stems bear loose clusters of pale violet, bell-shaped flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across with stamens that project beyond the petals. The lobed, mottled leaves and hairy, branched stems separate it from Hydrophyllum virginianum, which has pinnately divided leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in late spring, generally May into June. The bell-shaped flowers open over two to three weeks on branching stems. Seed ripens by early summer, after which the biennial plant dies.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale violet to lavender

Foliage Description

mottled green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Blooms in second year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum grows in part to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained woodland soil. It needs steady moisture during spring growth and tolerates the drier shade of summer once seed has set. Rich leaf-mold soil and cool conditions suit it, while hot, dry, sunny sites cause early collapse. As a biennial it depends on self-sown seed to maintain a colony from year to year. It carries few pests, though slugs may graze young rosettes. No fertilizer is needed in woodland soil.

Pruning

No pruning is required for this biennial. Seed heads can be left in place to allow self-sowing, which sustains the colony. Spent plants are removed after they die back in summer.

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic