Virginia Waterleaf

Virginia waterleaf is a common plant of moist deciduous forest. Its large leaves are deeply toothed and are spotted in late spring and early summer by what appear to by whitish “watermarks,” which fade as summer progresses. By mid-summer, the plant dies back to the ground and is no longer apparent. The lovely white to pale lavender flowers are small, bell-shaped blossoms borne in clusters with stamens and pistils protruding well out of the flower. The plant is an aggressive spreader and is a common species throughout the park, including in both upland and floodplain forests.   Fascinating Facts Whitetail deer occasionally will graze on Virginia waterleaf, but it may not be a preferred food species. The long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, are effective pollinators of this plant. The waterleaf cuckoo bee, one of our native bees, feed only on the nectar of the plants of the Hydrophyllum genus, including Virginia waterleaf.

Forest Home   The leaf of Virginia Waterleaf showing the whitish spots that gives this plant its name.   Virginia Waterleaf Hydrophyllum virginianum Blooms: May through August. Find It Coon Rapids Regional Park Crosby Farm Regional Park