Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Great
Waterleaf
(Virginia Waterleaf)
Hydrophyllum appendiculatum
[C-value
8]
Waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae)
Blooms May -
mid-June
The native Great Waterleaf is uncommon in our area. It prefers light dappled shade and moist to slightly moist rich loamy soil. Habitats include slightly moist deciduous woodlands and areas along woodland borders, paths and streams. This spring biennial grows to 1–2½' tall, branching occasionally, with hairy stems having a tendency to zigzag between leaves. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 6" across and pinnately cleft into 5 lobes resembling maple leaves. The upper stems terminate in floppy cymes of flowers, each about ¾" across, with 5 spreading pale purplish pink or lavender petals.
Great Waterleaf at Hoover Forest Preserve woodlands May 14, 2015
Great Waterleaf at Baker Woods Forest Preserve woodlands May 1, 2012
Great Waterleaf at Hoover Forest Preserve woodlands May 24, 2013
Great Waterleaf at Hoover Forest Preserve woodlands May 24, 2013
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