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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Largeleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum) 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

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IL and 10 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 445 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

Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

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

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

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