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Ballhead Waterleaf, Cat's Breeches, Dwarf Waterleaf - Hydrophyllum capitatum


Family: Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf family Genus Common Name: Waterleaf Native Status: Native
Hydrophyllum capitatum - Ballhead Waterleaf, Cat's Breeches, Dwarf Waterleaf. The Ballhead Waterleaf is found on moist mountain slopes and woodlands in 9 northwestern states (CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.) The color seems to be generally bluish at lower elevations getting paler - to white - as the elevation gets higher, although you may find a mix at any altitude. This common, small, attractive plant may be up to about a foot tall.

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Hydrophyllum capitatum

Distribution of Hydrophyllum capitatum in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Boise National Forest, Ada County, ID Date: 2010-June-15Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
The bright green leaves of Ballhead Waterleaf are deeply lobed, and usually partially hide the attractive ball-shaped cluster of flowers.
Hydrophyllum capitatum
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Hydrophyllum capitatum initially published on USWildflowers.com 2010-06-18; Updated 2015-06-24

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