Great Waterleaf

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Boraginaceae
Genus:
Hydrophyllum
Species:
Hydrophyllum appendiculatum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, lavender, purple

Native Range

Canada, United States

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, native bees

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates moderate drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers shaded woodland environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and are best sown fresh in fall for spring germination.

Propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Seeds are warm and cold stratified

Establishment: H. appendiculatum is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America

Source: npn.rngr.net