How much sun does Largeleaf Waterleaf need?

Largeleaf Waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Largeleaf Waterleaf bloom?

Largeleaf Waterleaf blooms in May and June.

Where is Largeleaf Waterleaf native?

Largeleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Largeleaf Waterleaf attract?

Largeleaf Waterleaf draws bees and flies.

Is Largeleaf Waterleaf HOA-friendly?

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

Largeleaf Waterleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hydrophyllum macrophyllum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IL and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Largeleaf waterleaf is a native woodland perennial with broad, deeply lobed leaves and clusters of small white to pale purple flowers in late spring. It forms neat clumps in partial shade and goes dormant by midsummer, making it ideal for naturalizing under trees or in woodland gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Largeleaf 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.

Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare spots
Woodland appearance may look too wild for formal landscapes
Short bloom period followed by lengthy dormancy

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies during their blooming period in May and June.

Common questions

How much sun does Largeleaf Waterleaf need?: Largeleaf Waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Largeleaf Waterleaf bloom?: Largeleaf Waterleaf blooms in May and June.
Where is Largeleaf Waterleaf native?: Largeleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Largeleaf Waterleaf attract?: Largeleaf Waterleaf draws bees and flies.
Is Largeleaf Waterleaf HOA-friendly?: Largeleaf 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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