How much sun does Pacific Waterleaf need?

Pacific Waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Pacific Waterleaf bloom?

Pacific Waterleaf blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Pacific Waterleaf native?

Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pacific Waterleaf attract?

Pacific Waterleaf draws bees and butterflies.

Is Pacific Waterleaf HOA-friendly?

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

Pacific Waterleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hydrophyllum tenuipes

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) 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 × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains

Pacific waterleaf is a low-growing native perennial that produces delicate clusters of white to pale purple flowers in spring and early summer. This woodland plant thrives in partially shaded areas and goes dormant in summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pacific 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 in summer leaving bare soil
Short bloom period followed by lengthy dormancy
Informal woodland appearance even when present

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees and butterflies during an important early season nectar period. The foliage provides habitat for beneficial insects before the plant goes dormant.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific Waterleaf need?: Pacific Waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pacific Waterleaf bloom?: Pacific Waterleaf blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Pacific Waterleaf native?: Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pacific Waterleaf attract?: Pacific Waterleaf draws bees and butterflies.
Is Pacific Waterleaf HOA-friendly?: Pacific 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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