Great Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum)

Michigan has three species of waterleaf (genus Hydrophyllum). Two of the species are perennials, and this species is biennial. It’s curious that Sally’s Great Waterleaf comes back year after year! The plant does reseed well.

Great Waterleaf blooms in the late spring to early summer which is a time when many of the woodland flowers are finished blooming.

One of the best ways to identify this species is by the two different lengths of spreading hairs on the stems. The third photo shows this. Some of the hairs are tiny and others are relatively long.

The leaves of Great Waterleaf are large and maple leaf shaped. Flowers are lavender to pink or white. The calyx of the flower (bracts just beneath the petals) is covered in long hairs. In between each the five calyx lobes, there is a small appendage that curves backward. This is another identifier of this plant.

Many bees are drawn to the nectar including one that specializes on waterleaf flowers. Flies, skippers, and butterflies will also visit the flowers.

Great Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum)

Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Great Waterleaf

Height: 12-30 inches

Bloom time: June-July

Soil: loam, moist to medium

Sun: dappled light to part sun

Plant spacing: 12-18 inches

Flower: lavender or pink or white

Life cycle: biennial

Family: Boraginaceae

Seed source: Michigan