Pacific Waterleaf
(Hydrophyllum tenuipes)
Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes)
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Gavin Slater
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Gavin Slater
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Gavin Slater | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Gavin Slater | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-05-19T12:22:39-07:00 |


















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hydrophyllum tenuipes, commonly known as Pacific waterleaf, is an herbaceous perennial native to the moist, deciduous, and mixed forests of western North America, ranging from British Columbia to northern California. It typically forms extensive colonies by spreading rhizomes, thriving in the understory at low to mid elevations. Pacific waterleaf reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) and displays a mounding habit. Its foliage is deeply lobed and can be quite ornamental. The plant produces clusters of greenish-white to lavender flowers, each with protruding stamens that extend beyond the petals, blooming from mid to late spring. The flowers are modestly showy and attract pollinators.
Pacific waterleaf is appreciated for its attractive foliage and ability to fill in shady areas quickly, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control on slopes. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and thrives in part to full shade. While it is low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively, so gardeners should consider controlling its growth in smaller spaces. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it can become invasive if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pacific waterleaf is appreciated for its attractive foliage and ability to fill in shady areas quickly, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control on slopes. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and thrives in part to full shade. While it is low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively, so gardeners should consider controlling its growth in smaller spaces. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it can become invasive if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Brown, Green, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist, deciduous, and mixed forests of western North America
Other Names
Common Names: Thin-Stemmed Waterleaf, Slender-Stalked Waterleaf
Scientific Names: , Hydrophyllum tenuipes, Hydrophyllum coelestinum, Hydrophyllum coelestinum, Hydrophyllum tenuipes var. viride, Hydrophyllum virginicum var. pacificum, Hydrophyllum viridulum,
GBIF Accepted Name: