Hydrophyllum tenuipes

Common Names

Pacific Waterleaf, Slender-Stem Waterleaf

Summary

Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) is a shade-loving, herbaceous perennial native to western North America from British Columbia to northern California. It forms an aggressive, rhizomatous groundcover that can reach about 12–30 inches tall and spread up to 5 feet, with soft, hairy leaves up to 10–25 cm long and 6–15 cm wide that are palmately divided into 5–9 lobes. In spring to mid-summer, it bears clusters of bells colored cream to greenish-white, lavender, or blue; flowers have bristly sepals and stamens that extend beyond the petals.

Growth favors partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; plants spread by rhizomes, forming dense patches that may require regular thinning to manage spread. It is used as a woodland groundcover in shaded, moist landscapes and contributes nectar to pollinators, supporting wildlife in natural plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-2.5 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade. Tolerates full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter (pH ~5.5–7.0); a peat moss–compost–sand mix works well.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-draining soil that stays consistently damp but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Greenish-white to lavender

Bloom Time

Spring (late spring to early summer)

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Gold, Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators