Overview
Hydrophyllum macrophyllum is a hairy woodland perennial of the eastern United States, growing 1–2.5 feet (30–75 cm) tall from creeping rhizomes. The large pinnately divided leaves are 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long with seven to thirteen toothed lobes, coarsely hairy, and often marked with pale water-stain blotches that fade as the leaves age. Clusters of bell-shaped flowers about 0.4 inch (10 mm) long open in late spring, white to greenish or pale lavender, with stamens that project well beyond the petals and uncoil from a curled bud cluster. H. macrophyllum grows in rich, moist deciduous woods, ravines, and shaded slopes from Pennsylvania and Ohio south to Alabama and west to Missouri. It spreads by rhizomes into loose colonies and goes summer-dormant after seeding. The plant needs cool shade and moist soil and declines in dry or sunny sites.
Native Range
Hydrophyllum macrophyllum is native to the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana south to Alabama and west to Missouri. It grows in rich, moist deciduous forests, wooded ravines, and shaded slopes.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and spring accent in shade and woodland gardens beneath trees. Spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart, it fills moist shaded ground and supports early-season pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, mainly May to June. The bell-shaped flowers, white to greenish or pale lavender with long projecting stamens, open from coiled clusters and draw bees. Small seed capsules follow before the plant goes dormant in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale lavenderFoliage Description
green with pale blotchesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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