When does Bluntleaf Waterleaf bloom?

Bluntleaf Waterleaf typically flowers from April through June, producing small clusters of white to pale lavender blooms on low mounded foliage.

What pollinators visit Bluntleaf Waterleaf?

Bees and flies are the main visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen from the plant's small, clustered spring flowers.

What growing conditions does Bluntleaf Waterleaf need?

It does best in part shade with consistently medium soil moisture, similar to the rich, humus-heavy woodland floors where it is often found.

Is Bluntleaf Waterleaf an evergreen plant?

No, it is deciduous. The foliage dies back after the growing season and the plant regrows from its root system each spring.

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: September 2026

Bluntleaf waterleaf is a woodland forb that blooms from April through June, with clusters of pale flowers growing in moist, part shade to shaded forest understories across the eastern and midwestern United States.

Toxicity unknown

Bluntleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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

When does Bluntleaf Waterleaf bloom?: Bluntleaf Waterleaf typically flowers from April through June, producing small clusters of white to pale lavender blooms on low mounded foliage.
What pollinators visit Bluntleaf Waterleaf?: Bees and flies are the main visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen from the plant's small, clustered spring flowers.
What growing conditions does Bluntleaf Waterleaf need?: It does best in part shade with consistently medium soil moisture, similar to the rich, humus-heavy woodland floors where it is often found.
Is Bluntleaf Waterleaf an evergreen plant?: No, it is deciduous. The foliage dies back after the growing season and the plant regrows from its root system each spring.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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