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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Hydrophyllum occidentale (Western waterleaf)
Machi, Mary Ann

Hydrophyllum occidentale

Hydrophyllum occidentale (S. Watson) A. Gray

Western Waterleaf, Squaw-lettuce, Waterleaf

Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)

Synonym(s): Hydrophyllum occidentale var. watsonii

USDA Symbol: HYOC

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

This perennials best feature is the attractive foliage which is coarsely pinnately divided with interesting outlines. The leaves are fuzzy and have pale green spots at the base of the division. Clusters of bell-shaped, lavender flowers are held above the leaves on an erect, 15-24 in. stem.

 

From the Image Gallery

5 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Leaf: Dark Green

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , ID , NV , OR , UT
Native Distribution: Mts. of c. & n. CA, to OR, w. ID, UT & AZ
Native Habitat: Shaded slopes; 2500-8000 ft.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist to mesic soils.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Division is the most practical method of increase.
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:AGCPAKAWCBEMPGPHIMWNCNEWMVE
Status: FACW FACW
This information is derived from: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2023). 2022 National Wetland Plant List, version 3.6. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. https://wetland-plants.usace.army.mil/. Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2025-08-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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