Hydrophyllum capitatum, commonly known as Ballhead Waterleaf, is a perennial herb native to Western North America, including regions from British Columbia to Colorado. It is typically found in moist, open woodlands, forest clearings, and slopes, extending from high plains to subalpine zones. This plant is characterized by its hairy, erect stature, reaching a height of 4-16 inches tall. The foliage is distinctive, with green leaves divided into lobed leaflets. From March to July, it produces clusters of whitish to purplish-blue, bell-shaped flowers that are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse.

Ballhead Waterleaf is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded garden spots, providing a lush, green ground cover. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife gardens. It prefers fine or medium-textured soils and can adapt to a range of pH conditions from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6.4 to 7.8). While it enjoys moist conditions, it is important to avoid waterlogged soils. Ballhead Waterleaf is suitable for naturalistic plantings and woodland gardens, where it can be allowed to spread and form colonies. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.CC BY-SA 4.0