VIRGINIA WATERLEAF
Hydrophyllum virginianum
BORAGE FAMILY (Boraginaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May, June
- Common in woodlands at FF & NW
- Showy flower clusters above leaves
- Long stamens give flower a 'spiky' look
- 3-7 toothed leaflets with pointed tips
This native perennial is often found in colonies and reaches a height of 2 feet. Its leaves are divided into 3-7 lance-shaped and toothed leaflets, each up to 4 inches long (A,E). 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 (A). Individual flowers have 5 stamens and single style which extend far beyond the petals (B,C).
Found in moist woodlands, flowering there in May and June. Abundant in upland woods and ravines at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
Closely related Hairy Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum), found only at Neale Woods, has larger flowers whose stamens do not project as far beyond the petals and larger, less deeply divided leaves.
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.
Waterleafs, until recently placed in their own family the Waterleaf Family (Hydrophyllaceae), have been moved to the Borage Family (Boraginaceae).
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.