Cat's Breeches, Ballhead waterleaf, Alpine waterleaf, Thompson's waterleaf

Hydrophyllum capitatum

Physical Characteristics

Hydrophyllum capitatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alberta to British Columbia, south to Oregon and Colorado.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Tender young shoots - cooked as a potherb[207, 212]. Root - cooked[207]. Large and fleshy[212].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known