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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Hydrophyllum capitatum

Hydrophyllum capitatum Douglas ex Benth.

Ballhead Waterleaf, Dwarf Waterleaf

Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: HYCA4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

A low plant with round heads of small, white or pale purple flowers on short stalks among pinnately divided leaves.

In the northeastern United States plants of this genus were cooked for greens by Indians and settlers. A form of Dwarf Waterleaf in northern Oregon and south-central Washington has flower heads on long stalks above leaves.

From the Image Gallery

11 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB
Native Distribution: Southern British Columbia; south through eastern Washington and Oregon to central California; east to western Colorado, northern Utah, Idaho, and Alberta.
Native Habitat: Brushy areas and open woods.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Additional resources

USDA: Find Hydrophyllum capitatum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Hydrophyllum capitatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hydrophyllum capitatum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2019-04-15
Research By: TWC Staff

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