Virginia Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Also known as Eastern Waterleaf, John's-cabbage, Shawnee Salad
Climate Match for your location
See how well Virginia Waterleaf grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A native woodland perennial with soft, hairy leaves and delicate lavender-white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. It thrives in shaded, moist areas and makes an excellent groundcover for native plant gardens.
Why grow it
Virginia waterleaf offers reliable spring interest in deep shade where many native perennials struggle, with foliage that remains attractive through summer. Compared to similar woodland groundcovers like wild ginger, it spreads more openly and flowers more visibly, making it useful for layering in native plant communities. Its moist-soil preference also makes it a good choice for rain gardens or low spots that stay seasonally wet.
Watch out for
Plants may take a full season or two to establish and fill in, so initial spacing should account for mature spread. In consistently wet soils, ensure adequate air circulation to minimize fungal issues. The soft foliage is palatable to deer and rabbits, so young plantings in high-pressure areas may need protection until established.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hydrophyllaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native woodland perennial with soft, hairy leaves and delicate lavender-white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. It thrives in shaded, moist areas and makes an excellent groundcover for native plant gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Virginia Waterleaf grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Virginia waterleaf offers reliable spring interest in deep shade where many native perennials struggle, with foliage that remains attractive through summer. Compared to similar woodland groundcovers like wild ginger, it spreads more openly and flowers more visibly, making it useful for layering in native plant communities. Its moist-soil preference also makes it a good choice for rain gardens or low spots that stay seasonally wet.
Watch out for
Plants may take a full season or two to establish and fill in, so initial spacing should account for mature spread. In consistently wet soils, ensure adequate air circulation to minimize fungal issues. The soft foliage is palatable to deer and rabbits, so young plantings in high-pressure areas may need protection until established.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hydrophyllaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.