Hydrophyllum occidentale, commonly known as Western Waterleaf, is a rhizomatous perennial herb that is native to the moist forest understories and streambanks of the Pacific Northwest, ranging from California to Idaho. It typically thrives in the understory of mixed coniferous forests. This plant forms lush colonies with its compound leaves that can reach up to 16 inches in length, and it features erect stems that bear large, dense inflorescences of bell-shaped flowers. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, are white to lavender and are each up to a centimeter wide, offering a subtle yet attractive display.

Western Waterleaf is valued for its ability to thrive in moist, shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is also used to enhance the biodiversity of wetland habitats. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and partial to full shade to mimic its natural forest floor habitat. While it is not drought-tolerant, it is relatively low maintenance once established. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously by rhizomes, which can be a desirable trait for ground cover applications but may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0