Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) is a rhizomatous woodland species found along the western coast from from British Columbia to California. Pacific Waterleaf is typically found in shady, moist habitats such as forests, woodland edges, and stream banks. The elegant, intriguingly lobed leaves can form a lush, expansive groundcover in ideal settings, producing clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from pale cream to lavender.
 
Pacific Waterleaf typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with its peak bloom occurring in May and June. The flowers provide a valuable source of spring nectar for woodland bumblebees and small solitary bees. The dense foliage provides excellent understory habitat for small mammals, birds, and amphibians in its natural woodland habitats. Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest traditionally consumed the leaves and rhizomes or used them medicinally. All parts of the plant have a flavor similar to nettle, and were often eaten fresh or cooked and used in soups, salads, or as a seasoning.
 
Well-suited for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas with moist, well-drained soils, it can also be used in erosion control projects along stream banks and slopes, thanks to its extensive and aggressive root system. Pacific Waterleaf prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, but can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay. To germinate, sow up to an 1/16” deep in prepared soil in the fall or late winter.