This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.
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Virginia Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
PerennialVirginia Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Part – Full Shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Loam
Size
1-2'
Bloom
White to Lavender, May–Jun
Why Grow It
Shade Tolerant
Grows well in partial to full shade
Ground Cover
Fills in to form a living carpet
Easy to Grow
Low maintenance & beginner friendly
Did You Know?
The leaves appear to have water stains or blotches on them — giving the plant its common name 'Waterleaf.'
It spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies that can suppress weeds, making it an excellent native ground cover for shady areas.
Young shoots and leaves are edible and were historically gathered as spring greens by Indigenous peoples.
Wildlife Value
🐝
Native Bees
Early nectar source for spring-emerging bees
🦋
Spring Azure Butterfly
Adults visit flowers for early-season nectar
🐛
Waterleaf Moth
Larvae feed on foliage through the growing season
Good Companions
🌿 Wild Ginger
⚪ Miterwort
🌸 Virginia Bluebells
🌱 Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Planting Guide
- Plant in rich, moist woodland soil in part to full shade.
- Seed in fall for natural cold stratification over winter.
- Allow to naturalize; forms attractive ground cover colonies.
Heads Up
Spreads by Root
Spreads quickly; may need containment
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li