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Population of pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of pacific waterleaf flower (Hydrophyllum tenuipes). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of pacific waterleaf flower (Hydrophyllum tenuipes). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Pacific waterleaf plant with fuzzy bud (Hydrophyllum tenuipes). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Wild population of pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) with its natural companions. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Wild population of pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) with its natural companions. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Wild population of pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) with its natural companions. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Pacific Waterleaf

Hydrophyllum tenuipes

Pacific waterleaf is a lovely groundcover with soft hairy leaves that spreads easily by rhizomes to form lush carpets in wooded areas. The flowers are greenish-white to lavender, appearing in mid to late spring, and are awe-inspiring and intricate when viewed up-close - also favored by bumblebees.  

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: foliage is generally about 12" tall, flower stalks can be taller, spreads laterally via rhizomes
  • Light requirements: full shade, part-sun/part-shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist soil 
  • Bloom time: April - July (May - June in the Portland Metro area)
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar to adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators
  • Native habitat/range: common in westside forests and coastal habitats from British Columbia to Northern California. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: bumblebee favorite; groundcover; edible roots known to be eaten Cowlitz tribe of western Washington; landscape uses include pollinator gardens and woodland gardens 

Gardening with Pacific Waterleaf: This shade-loving plant prefers moist soils that are well-drained. It generally dies back, becoming entirely dormant in the summer as soils dry out. You can either allow it this natural life cycle or water it regularly to extend its growing season. It makes an excellent, pollinator-friendly groundcover in spring woodland gardens and can spread aggressively in ideal conditions. 

Photo Credits 1, 4, 7 (wild population): Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credit 2 (flower close): "Pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes)" by La.Catholique is licensed under CC BY 2.0. 

Photo Credit 3 (flower close, purple): © 66dodge, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 5 (with companions): © Harry Podschwit, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 6 (wild population, with companions): © John Brew, some rights reserved (CC-BY)