How much sun does Bluntleaf Waterleaf need?

Bluntleaf Waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Bluntleaf Waterleaf bloom?

Bluntleaf Waterleaf blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Bluntleaf Waterleaf native?

Bluntleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) is native to AL, GA, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Bluntleaf Waterleaf attract?

Bluntleaf Waterleaf draws bees and flies.

Is Bluntleaf Waterleaf HOA-friendly?

Bluntleaf Waterleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bluntleaf Waterleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hydrophyllum canadense

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bluntleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) is a perennial forb native to AL, GA, IA, IL and 17 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, GA, IA, IL and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Piedmont Northern Lakes and Forests Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Bluntleaf waterleaf is a native woodland perennial that forms neat clumps of soft, lobed leaves. It produces clusters of small white to pale purple bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer before going dormant by midsummer.

Growing Bluntleaf Waterleaf

Grow Bluntleaf Waterleaf in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bluntleaf Waterleaf takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Completely disappears by midsummer leaving bare ground
Wild woodland appearance may seem unkempt
Short bloom period limits visual impact

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies during its bloom period. The plant provides early season nectar when few other native plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Bluntleaf Waterleaf need?: Bluntleaf Waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bluntleaf Waterleaf bloom?: Bluntleaf Waterleaf blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Bluntleaf Waterleaf native?: Bluntleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) is native to AL, GA, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Bluntleaf Waterleaf attract?: Bluntleaf Waterleaf draws bees and flies.
Is Bluntleaf Waterleaf HOA-friendly?: Bluntleaf Waterleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bluntleaf Waterleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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