Western Waterleaf

Hydrophyllum occidentale

Physical Characteristics

Hydrophyllum occidentale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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 - Oregon to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[61, 105, 177]. Root - cooked[105, 161]. Used as a staple food by some native North American Indian tribes[257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known