John's-cabbage
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Hydrophyllum virginianum is a native woodland wildflower found across eastern and midwestern United States. This spring ephemeral blooms with white to pale purple clusters in May and June.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AR, CT, DE, IA and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
John's-cabbage is a native woodland perennial with broad, deeply lobed leaves and clusters of small white to pale purple flowers in late spring. It forms a low, spreading groundcover that thrives in shaded areas with consistent moisture. The plant goes dormant in late summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.
Growing John's-cabbage
Grow John's-cabbage in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
John's-cabbage 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 mid-summer leaving bare ground
- Informal woodland appearance may look unkempt
- Large lobed leaves can appear weedy to some
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its May to June bloom period. The foliage provides cover for small woodland creatures and insects.
Common questions
- When does Hydrophyllum virginianum bloom?
- John's-cabbage typically blooms in May and June, producing clusters of small white to pale purple flowers.
- What pollinators visit Hydrophyllum virginianum?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of John's-cabbage, attracted to its nectar-rich spring flowers.
- Where is Hydrophyllum virginianum native?
- This species is native to much of the eastern and midwestern United States, from New England south to North Carolina and west to Kansas and North Dakota.
- What growing conditions does John's-cabbage prefer?
- Hydrophyllum virginianum thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistent to moist soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
- Is John's-cabbage HOA-friendly?
- John's-cabbage 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow John's-cabbage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz