Hydrophyllum virginianum

Common Names

Virginia Waterleaf, Eastern Waterleaf, John's Cabbage, Shawnee Salad

Summary

Virginia Waterleaf is an upright perennial native to moist woods across eastern North America. It grows about 12–24 inches tall and forms large colonies by rhizomes and seeds. Leaves are deeply divided into 5–7 lobes with coarsely toothed margins and often show water-stained white spots early in growth; stems may be purplish at leaf nodes. From spring to early summer, small white to pale lilac bell-shaped flowers appear in dense cymes atop long stalks, rising above the foliage. Prefers partial sun to shade and consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; tolerates loamy soils and various moisture conditions. Spreads by rhizomes and seeds to form large colonies, making it suitable for woodland gardens or shady landscapes, though aggressive spreading can fill openings. Propagation is by seed or division; blooms in spring to early summer; flowers attract bees and other pollinators; leaves and young growth are edible, and root tea has been used as an astringent in traditional medicine.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; tolerates full sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Consistently moist, well-drained soils

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

White to lilac

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, often mottled with white

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast, aggressive growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators