Plant Profile: Hydrophyllum canadense

While this plant is known by various names, the most widely recognized is Broad-leaf Waterleaf. The name maple-leaf waterleaf is derived from the distinctive shape of its leaves. These palmate leaves are compound, featuring smaller leaflets that emerge from a single point.

This woodland perennial is classified as extremely rare and is considered threatened. It typically thrives in moist forests rich in organic matter, as well as in bottomlands, forest edges, thickets, and along rocky stream banks.

In late spring, clusters of white to lavender flowers can be spotted beneath the uppermost leaves. The hairy filaments of these clusters create a soft, fuzzy look, and the blooms are often likened to delicate lacework.