How to Grow and Care for Hydrophyllum

Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) is a native North American flowering herb that grows in the eastern United States. The plant spreads through underground root structures to form large colonies in the wild. When exposed to sunlight, the flowers of the species bleach their color.

Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) is a perennial ground cover that will grow to 61 cm tall. It prefers shade to partial shade in wet to moist soil. It blooms in spring to summer with tufts of bell-shaped white to lavender flowers. This edible plant can be eaten fresh in salads or steamed. Rhizomes taste similar to bean sprouts, with a crisp, juicy texture.

Great Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum) is a perennial plant found in rich moist woods. It blooms from spring through summer with loose clusters of large bell-shaped lavender flowers. It attracts bees butterflies and birds. Requires partial or dappled shade and thrives in moist soil. Can be invasive but easily controlled.

Ballhead Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum) is a species that’s indigenous to western North America. Native American peoples cooked the crunchy roots and the leaves of this plant, which taste a little like carrots.

Broadleaf waterleaf (*Hydrophyllum canadense*) is a rare woodland perennial, also called Maple leaf because it has leaves shaped similarly to those of a maple tree. It is found in moist, organic soils in forest edges, thickets, and growing along rocky stream banks. It blooms in late spring, and fine hair-like filaments on the flower clusters look like intricate lacework, attracting bees and other pollinators.