Virginia waterleaf
ExplorePlants
Virginia waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Virginia waterleaf is a lovely plant with pretty, heart-shaped leaves. It grows in shady places and has beautiful blue flowers that bloom in spring, making it a delightful sight in the forest!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Virginia waterleaf has distinctive green leaves with silvery-white blotches that resemble water stains, particularly when young. Its small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in dense, fuzzy clusters, typically appearing in shades of lavender, white, or pale purple.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyHydrophyllaceaeGenusHydrophyllum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its unique leaf "watermarks" often vanish when the plant has plenty of water!
Many types of native bees and butterflies love to visit its small, nectar-rich, bell-shaped flowers.
Native Americans traditionally consumed its tender young leaves as a nutritious spring vegetable.
The plant's scientific name, Hydrophyllum, literally means "water leaf" in ancient Greek!
Special abilities
Ability
Shady Survivor
Virginia waterleaf can thrive in low-light conditions, allowing it to grow where many other plants struggle.
Ability
Watermark Mystery
Its leaves have unique silvery blotches that may help reflect light in dim forests or deter herbivores.
Ability
Early Greens Provider
Virginia waterleaf has edible young leaves, offering a valuable food source for wildlife and humans in early spring.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-60 cm
- Spread
- 30-45 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer (May-July)
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
collects nectar and pollen from its flowers
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar and pollen
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses on its leaves and stems
eaten by
Groundhog
Marmota monax
eats the plant's foliage
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Virginia waterleaf?
15-60 cm
How wide does Virginia waterleaf spread?
30-45 cm
How big are the flowers on Virginia waterleaf?
0.5-1 cm
When does Virginia waterleaf bloom?
Late spring to early summer (May-July)
Is Virginia waterleaf edible?
Yes
Is Virginia waterleaf toxic?
None
What is Virginia waterleaf's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Virginia waterleaf pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park24 sightings10 species
Minnesota, US
Crosby Farm Regional Park
You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Wood Nettle.
View guide →
Park25 sightings10 species
Illinois, US
Indian Boundary Park
You might spot Pond Slider, Virginia Bluebells, and Canada Goose.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
South Dakota, US
Palisades State Park
You might spot Brittle Pricklypear and Eastern Redcedar.
View guide →
