Overview
Hydrophyllum canadense, broad-leaved waterleaf, is a low woodland perennial of moist deciduous forest in eastern North America, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall. Its broad, maple-like leaves are palmately lobed with 5–7 toothed lobes and reach 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across, sometimes mottled with pale blotches in spring. In late spring and early summer it raises rounded clusters of bell-shaped flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long, white to pale lavender, with stamens that protrude well beyond the petals. The flower clusters are often held below or among the leaves on coiled stalks rather than above the foliage. It spreads by short rhizomes into loose colonies and can carpet the forest floor where conditions stay moist and shaded. The young leaves are edible cooked and were gathered as a spring green. Foliage yellows and dies back by late summer in dry conditions, leaving gaps in the planting. It grows in rich, humus-laden soil and declines in full sun or dry ground.
Native Range
Hydrophyllum canadense is native to eastern North America, from Ontario and the New England states south through the Appalachians to Georgia and Alabama and west to Missouri. It grows in rich, moist deciduous woodland, ravines, and shaded streambanks.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade groundcover in woodland and native gardens, along shaded streambanks, and in moist naturalized plantings. It suits the dappled light beneath deciduous trees, though its early dieback in dry summers leaves bare patches.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale lavenderFoliage Description
Green, sometimes mottled in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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