This native perennial is found in colonies and reaches a height of 2 feet. Its leaves are divided into 5 lance-shaped and toothed leaflets, each up to 4 inches long. Young leaves often have white blotches (D), hence the common name. The pale lilac to white, bell-shaped flowers form a spherical cluster above the leaves (B,C). Identified by its flowers whose stamens and styles extend far beyond the petals. See also the description for Hairy Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum). Its stamens do not extend as far beyond its petals, and it has different leaves.
Found in moist woodlands, flowering there in May and June. In Fontenelle Forest, abundant in Child’s Hollow. At Neale Woods, common in Settlers Hollow, where this species can be compared to the other waterleaf.
This is one of several local plants which produce another set of leaves after the growing season, in order to soak up late fall and winter sunshine and to produce and store energy for the next growing season. Image (E) was taken in late November.
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